Local art lovers across regional Australia enjoy new works.

A painting by First Nations Artist Daniel Walbidi depicting the desert landscape and water sites near Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route in Western Australia.
Daniel Walbidi, Kirriwirri, 2014, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2014, © Courtesy of the artist and Short St Gallery, Broome.

Galleries and cultural institutions from Hobart to regional WA are among the latest recipients of nationally significant works for long-term loan through the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The recent loans include multidisciplinary works from leading First Nations artists, including:

  • Four large sculptures by Tiwi artist Jock Puautjimi and 2 desert paintings by Yulpariji and Mangala artist Daniel Wabidi on display at the Art Gallery of Swan Hill in Victoria.
  • Handmade ceramic pots by 7 women artists from the Ntaria/Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of Western Arrarnta artists from Central Australia on display at Temora Art Centre.
  • Four digital works by multidisciplinary artist, writer and curator Nicole Foreshew, a Wiradjuri woman, and acclaimed filmmaker Warwick Thornton, a Kaytetye man on display at Moonah Arts Centre from 30 October.

Works by renowned Australian and international artists have also landed in Western Australia, with a large bronze sculpture by Australian sculptor Lisa Roet on loan to Painted Tree Gallery in Northcliffe for 5 years, and 13 modern and contemporary video works on display at Wanneroo Regional Gallery in Perth.

Dedicated to celebrating the life and career of much-loved Australian artist Margaret Olley, the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre in regional NSW is also playing host to Olley's White still life (1977) painting from 18 September, joining 3 other works by the artist currently on loan to the art centre through the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The initiative is providing $11 million over 4 years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection to be enjoyed across Australia. The initiative has already supported more than 327 works of art being loaned to 42 institutions across every Australian state and territory.

Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program on the National Gallery of Australia's website.