WARHOL HEADING TO MUDGEE AS SHARING THE NATIONAL COLLECTION CELEBRATES ONE MILLION

Over a million people have experienced the wonder of the national collection closer to home since it launched in 2023, and now it’s Mudgee’s turn.

A collection of works by some of the 20th century’s most notable artists will travel to Mudgee Arts Precinct as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

Iconic Pop Art including Andy Warhol’s Campbell's Soup II - Cheddar Cheese, 1969 and Lichtenstein’s Reflections Series will go on display first from October 2025.

The works will rotate through four presentations over two years, allowing for visitors to experience various art-making techniques including lithographs, screenprints and woodcuts to etchings and sculpture.

In just two years, over one million people have visited participating galleries as part of the Sharing the National Collection program.

The Wanneroo Regional Gallery in Western Australia, where Warhol’s life size painting Elvis, 1963 was previously shared, saw a 280% increase in in visitor numbers in the first six months of the partnership.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loans were bringing audiences all across Australia closer to some of the world’s greatest artists.

“At any point in time, 98 per cent of the national collection is held in storage, art is meant to be seen and appreciated not hidden away.

“The Sharing the National Collection program has officially reached one million visitors, proving Australians want the chance to see and experience culturally significant works closer to home.”

Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan is an example of the significant art and artists held within the collection, and how this initiative allows us to share it with more Australians.

“Reaching one million visitors through the Sharing the National Collection program is a powerful testament to the significance of the national collection, and the importance of sharing it with communities beyond Canberra.

“This program is about more than numbers – it’s about ensuring every Australian, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to engage with their collection, and the remarkable stories and artists that shape our cultural identity.”

Mid-Western Regional Council General Manager, Brad Cam, described securing such significant works as a coup for the region.

“Mudgee Arts Precinct has been working closely with the National Gallery of Australia to bring these important works to the region.

“We have no doubt that many people will travel to Mudgee to see artworks usually only available to view at major institutions in capital cities, Over the next two years, visitors will enjoy four exhibitions beginning with Icons of Pop Art.”

Sharing the National Collection is providing the National Gallery with $11.8 million over four years from 2023-24 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.