The iconic inflatable family are among 6 eye-catching exhibitions to tour the country thanks to the Visions of Australia program.

Skywhale hot air balloon.

Credit:
Installation view, Skywhales: Every heart sings, Maitland 2022, featuring: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhale, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Gift of anonymous donor 2019. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program and Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa, 2019–2020, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Commissioned with the assistance of The Balnaves Foundation 2019. Purchased 2020. Photograph: Leighsha Cox

 

Six exhibitions will visit a combined 49 venues in cities, regional and remote locations across Australia thanks to $1.4 million in funding through the latest round of the Visions of Australia program.

Amongst the funded projects are Patricia Piccinini's Skywhales: Across Australia, with the famous family of hot air balloons to tour to 8 venues across all states and the Northern Territory thanks to a $166,815 grant to the National Gallery of Australia. This unique art event is timed to link in with local cultural events and festivals.

National Exhibitions Touring Support Victoria were also successful, receiving $288,683 to tour First Nations artist Kait James' solo exhibition to 7 venues, displaying her distinctly humorous and sharply witty approach to contemporary First Nations art.

Other tours to receive funding in this round of Visions include:

  • Billy Missi'n Wakain Thamai by Torres Strait Islander artist Billy Missi (1970–2012), will receive $391,915 to bring over 50 major prints from Djumbunji Fine Art Print and private collections to 13 venues (NorthSite Contemporary Artists).
  • Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft | Helen Britton will receive $237,453 to tour 9 venues showcasing the work of eminent craftsperson Helen Britton, the tenth artist of the series (Australian Design Centre).
  • Contemporary Arts—Postworld National Tour will receive $107,680 to tour to 8 venues offering a visually stimulating exhibition of a range of artists and mediums (Umbrella Studios).
  • Art in Conflict will receive $166,600 to tour 4 venues showcasing diverse responses to war including 70 works by 50 artists (Australian War Memorial).

More information about the Visions of Australia program, including grant recipients, can be found on the Visions of Australia webpage.