Sharing the National Collection: Wimmera landscapes return to source of inspiration

A group of 21 artworks ranging from paintings to furniture will travel to Horsham Regional Art Gallery from the National Gallery of Australia for two years, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

The collection will serve as a reflection of local landscapes of the Wimmera region in Victoria, interpreted across various mediums and time periods of Australian art since the 1800s.

The loan includes paintings, works on paper, photographs and furniture by some of Australia’s most revered artists including Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen, Arthur Streeton and more.

Founded in 1967, Horsham Regional Art Gallery neighbours Victoria’s Grampians National Park, and is one of the largest regional galleries in Australia.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loan is an opportunity for audiences to appreciate works in the locations that inspired them.

“The National Collection holds over 155,000 artworks of great beauty and cultural value, but at any one time 98 per cent of it is in storage.

“Some of our greatest artists took inspiration from the dramatic surroundings of the Grampians and this loan provides an opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with them in the context that brought these works to life.

“The Sharing the National Collection initiative continues to have a national impact and I look forward to seeing more loans across the country in the coming year.”

National Gallery Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said, “Through the support of the Australian Government, the Sharing the National Collection initiative allows the National Gallery and regional partners to share curated selection of works from the national collection that reflect local stories.

“This loan to Horsham Regional Art Gallery will see nationally significant landscape works of art  return to the region that inspired them.”

Lauren Larkins, Horsham Regional Art Gallery Director said, “Horsham Regional Art Gallery is excited to share these significant works with our community, highlighting the expansive and detailed landscapes of the Wimmera region through the eyes of significant artists.

“The exhibition View From Here: Highlights from the National Gallery Collection will serve to showcase the national significance of works made in our region and celebrate the rich source of inspiration for artists that is the Wimmera landscape. Thank you to the National Gallery of Australia for allowing our regional gallery to be a part of this important initiative.”

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods. 

The works can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website

With another three years of the program, regional and suburban galleries can still register their expressions of interest to participate via this link.

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