PARKES.- A powerful group of First Nations works of art will be loaned to Temora Arts Centre in the Riverina region of New South Wales for two years as part of the Albanese Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.
On display from 14 August, the loans feature works by the Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of Western Arrarnta artists from Central Australia. The Ntaria/Hermannsburg Potters from the Northern Territory are known for their vibrant handmade ceramic pots that encompass collective and individually lived histories on Country.
The Temora Art Centre will display works by seven different women artists from Ntaria/Hermannsburg. These dynamic and colourful ceramics showcase the evolution of the artists’ practice over three decades.
A recurring conceptual theme in a number of these works of art is the importance music, musicians and songs played in their Community, which introduces audiences to the music in the desert.
This exhibition follows an earlier loan of Japanese ceramics to Temora Arts Centre also through the Sharing the National Collection program.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Sharing the National Collection program is continuing to benefit regional galleries and their visitors.
“At any point, 98 per cent of our national collection is held in storage. Sharing the National Collection gets works like these out into communities across the country, where they can contribute to local arts and culture.”
“By sharing significant items from the National Collection with regional galleries, we’re helping more Australians connect with our history and the wealth of art that belongs to all of us.”
Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr Nick Mitzevich said this partnership is vital to sharing First Nations art and culture.
“The Sharing the National Collection program allows us to partner with the Temora Arts Centre to share ceramic works of art by the acclaimed First Nations artist group the Ntaria/Hermannsburg Potters from the Northern Territory.
“Featuring seven works by seven artists, these whimsical colourful ceramics showcase the evolution of the artists’ practice over a number of decades and will delight visitors of all ages.”
Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM, acknowledged the significance of the loan for the Temora community.
“This ongoing partnership with the National Gallery of Australia continues to bring nationally significant works to Temora, building on recent exhibitions and strengthening our cultural offering for the community.
“It ensures our audiences can experience important stories and artworks here at home, while also attracting visitors to our region.”
Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy.
The program has provided $11.8 million over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen right across the country.
