Desert landscapes and sculptures by leading First Nations artists will head to the Art Gallery of Swan Hill in Victoria thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
In the foyer of the newly redeveloped Gallery, visitors will experience four large sculptures by Tiwi artist Jock Puautjimi and two paintings by Yulpariji and Mangala artist Daniel Walbidi.
Created in collaboration with glass artist Luna Ryan at the Canberra Glassworks, Puautjimi's sculptures are made from crystal glass, metal and rubber and feature images from his Tiwi Islands homeland.
Walbidi's desert paintings reflect the landscape of the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Sharing the title Kirriwirri, they refer to the jila (moving water) near Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route in the Pilbara region.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loans presented an opportunity for audiences to experience something unique.
"The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra.
"At any point 98 per cent of our national collection is held in storage. Over a million people have now had the chance to see a part of the national collection - that's usually hidden away - because of the Sharing the National Collection program."
Senator for Victoria and Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, Jana Stewart said the loans will create a unique experience for Swan Hill art lovers.
"Both artists' works are deeply connected with the regions they're from, which are a long way from Swan Hill in Victoria.
"They give our local community and visitors a chance to experience different parts of the country through the lens of two incredibly talented First Nations artists."
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan would complement Swan Hill's collection.
"The National Gallery is partnering with Art Gallery of Swan Hill to bring this selection of works by First Nations artists to regional Victoria for two years.
"The Sharing the National Collection program allows us to loan works from the national collection that support and enrich local collections and highlight the wealth of First Nations art and culture'
Art Gallery of Swan Hill Director, Ian Tully, said local audiences would be excited by the loan.
"Sharing the National Collection is a wonderful program allowing our audiences and creative communities to view outstanding works from across the nation. Importantly, it augments our commitment to highlighting the vast and rich visual culture of First Nations art."
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.
Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.
Images and their correct attributions can be found here.
