SHARING THE NATIONAL COLLECTION PASSES TWO MILLION VISITORS
More than two million Australians have now experienced artworks from the National Gallery of Australia's collection through the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
The program has provided regional and remote communities unprecedented access to world-class artworks, many of which have rarely been displayed outside of Canberra.
In the first three years, more than 327 Australian and international works from the national collection have been loaned to 42 galleries and cultural venues across every state and territory.
This includes works from internationally renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Mark Rothko, David Hockney, Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell to important works by First Nations and Australian artists.
The reaction from audiences and venue partners has been overwhelmingly positive with galleries reporting increases in visitor numbers of up to 51 per cent for their exhibitions showcasing works from the national collection.
Loan partners have enjoyed access to significant works of art in their region, boosting visitor numbers and engagement with cultural material as well as providing support for local tourism industries.
With more loans to come, the government has four years of funding committed to covering the costs of insurance, transport, and installation of works including paintings, prints, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, video and installation art.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the program was bringing the very best of the national art collection to new audiences across Australia.
“At any point 98 per cent of our national collection is held in storage, art shouldn’t be hidden away; it should be on display for people to enjoy.”
“The Wanneroo Regional Gallery - who received Andy Warhol’s life-size Elvis screenprint - experienced a 754 per cent increase in visitor numbers in its first four months.
“The success of this program proves there is an audience beyond our major cities who are excited to see great works of art from our national collection, locally and in person.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in this hugely successful program.”
Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr Nick Mitzevich said the Sharing the National Collection program has been vital in its commitment to allow more Australians the opportunity to engage with the national collection.
“By sharing the national collection with communities across Australia, we are ensuring that more people can connect with the stories, creativity and cultures that shape our nation.”
“Through this program and thanks to the support of the Australian Government, we have broadened access to the nation’s art and cultural treasures, creating meaningful experiences for more than 2 million Australians to reinforce the important role art plays in our shared national story.”
Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy.
Suburban, regional and remote venues can register their interest in the loan program here.