The Sharing the National Collection program enables galleries around the country to borrow works from the national collection for long-term display.

Installation work by Yayoi Kusama, an infinity room with a mirror box in the middle of the room surrounded by walls painted yellow with black dots.
Image credit: Yayoi Kusama, THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS, 2017, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2018 with the assistance of Andrew and Hiroko Gwinnett, © YAYOI KUSAMA

Over 2 million people have had the chance to enjoy works held by the National Gallery of Australia through the Sharing the National Collection program.

Since the program’s first loan in 2023, 42 galleries and cultural venues across every Australian state and territory have borrowed more than 327 works from the national collection. These include Australian art, First Nations art and international works.

The program has made significant works of art accessible to regional and remote communities. Before its inception, many of these world-class works had rarely been displayed outside Canberra.

Exhibitions displaying works from the national collection have boosted gallery visitor numbers by more than 50%, encouraging engagement with cultural material and providing support for local tourism industries in the regions.

The Australian Government has committed $11.8 million over 4 years to fund the costs of insurance, transport, and installation. The funding supports the loan of a range of works including paintings, prints, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, video and installation art. More loans are expected to roll out over the next year of the program.

The Sharing the National Collection program allows for greater access and enjoyment of the national collection for art lovers across Australia. The program is funded under the National Cultural Policy, Revive.

For more information about the program, including how galleries can get involved, visit the National Gallery of Australia’s website.

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