SHARING THE NATIONAL COLLECTION: CONTEMPORARY TITANS LOANED TO GRAFTON
Two works by leading contemporary artists James Turrell and Anish Kapoor will be loaned to Grafton Regional Gallery for two years thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.
Turrell’s Shanta II (blue) and Kapoor’s Hollow will be displayed as a drawcard attraction at the newly renovated Grafton Regional Gallery, which boasts a multi-level exhibition space and an artist cottage.
Considered the “master of light”, James Turrell is known for installations combining natural light and artificial colour to transform exhibition spaces. Whilst Sculptor Anish Kapoor’s conceptual work pushes the boundaries of the medium and is known to challenge audiences.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the government’s support was continuing to craft unique experiences across the country.
“At any point 98 per cent of our national collection is held in storage. This program will allow these normally unseen pieces to be displayed in the newly renovated Grafton Regional Gallery.”
“The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra.”
Senator for New South Wales, Jenny McAllister, said these pieces will make an excellent addition to the newly renovated gallery.
“Works like these shouldn’t be limited to our capital cities. It’s great that people in the Northern Rivers will be able to enjoy them at the Grafton Regional Gallery.”
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan gives regional audiences the chance to see internationally-celebrated artists in their own community.
“This partnership between the National Gallery and Grafton Regional Gallery provides another opportunity to celebrate the dynamic breadth of the national collection and the ambitions of regional galleries in Australia.”
“Through the Sharing the National Collection program, the Grafton community will have an opportunity to experience these sculptures in a regional context - from two globally celebrated contemporary artists, James Turrell and Anish Kapoor.”
General Manager of Clarence Valley Council, Laura Black, said it was an exciting occasion for the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome works by two of the world’s greatest living artists – James Turrell and Anish Kapoor –– to the Clarence Valley, as part of the National Gallery of Australia’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.”
“Having these artworks on display cements the important role Grafton Regional Gallery plays in contemporary arts in regional New South Wales.”
Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s national cultural policy.
The program has provided $11.8 million over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen right across the country.
Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.