MELBOURNE.- The National Gallery of Victoria announced a new Water Trail showcasing the importance of water throughout history and across cultures, as told through art.

Rob Gell, NGV’s new Water Trail Ambassador and environmentalist said that he was delighted to be involved in such an important initiative.

“In Victoria it is vital that we use all possible opportunities to educate the community, especially young people, about the value and scarcity of water as a resource in Australia.

“The National Gallery of Victoria’s Water Trail enables us to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of water while enjoying a diverse range of fascinating artworks at the NGV. I congratulate the Gallery on this very innovative program.”

Dr Gerard Vaughan, Director, NGV said: “From an ancient Greek vase to Monet’s Vétheuil, water is represented in many ways in our Collection. The NGV Water Trail is a thought- provoking way for visitors to discover the importance of water through art – its meaning and its beauty – and find out how we can play a role in protecting and conserving our diminishing water resources.”

The NGV Water Trail is designed for people of all ages to explore the galleries at NGV International. The ‘water drop’ symbol next to specific artworks in the NGV Collection refers back to the Water Trail brochure, encouraging Gallery explorers to learn more about the works of art and how they relate to the story of water.

With the support of BlueScope Steel and Melbourne Water, the Water Trail has been developed to promote the value of water to NGV visitors.

The NGV is committed to achieving and promoting water conservation and since 2006 has introduced a range of water saving initiatives, reducing our consumption by approximately 12 million litres per annum. The NGV’s fountains and moat systems are run using recycled rain water.

A self-guided NGV Water Trail brochure is available from the Information Desk at NGV International.