Four First Nations artworks from the National Collection will travel to Katherine in the Northern Territory and be displayed alongside local creations as part of the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre will exhibit the works for two years.
The not-for-profit centre is a cultural development hub that hosts arts, cultural and community events managed by local artists and community leaders.
The loan includes:
- BOAB 100 - 15 senior artists from Warringarri Aboriginal Arts in Kununurra WA, created this group of objects, translating traditional carving designs of boab nuts onto aluminium. The work was commissioned by Wesfarmers Arts to commemorate their centenary in 2013
- Three sculptural metalworks by Abe Muriata - a Girramay man of the Cardwell Range area of North Queensland, Muriata is one of the few male master craftsman basket weavers in Australia; designing bi-cornual baskets unique to the rainforest people of his region. Expanding on his practice of using Jawun (lawyer cane), these works are created using recycled aluminium wire and screen door mesh
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the latest loan demonstrated how the program was getting works out of Canberra to all corners of Australia.
"At any point 98 per cent of the national collection is held in storage. Our program is giving hundreds of thousands of Australians a chance to see and experience these culturally significant works.
"What better place could there be for these unique works of art to be displayed than in the beautiful surrounds of Katherine."
Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour said the thought-provoking installation would be a welcome addition to the community in Katherine.
"Bringing these artworks from the National Collection to Katherine not only provides a broader cultural experience for locals and visitors but will also provide opportunities for more exposure for local artists as they display their art alongside this Collection.
"The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art and Culture Centre is the perfect place to showcase these incredible artworks."
Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan was a chance to experience unique aspects of First Nations art and culture.
"The partnership with Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre in Katherine showcases artistry from First Nations leaders.
"The Sharing the National Collection program offers opportunities to take works of art by First Nations communities to new regions across Australia - inviting new audiences to share in the richness of ongoing cultural practice."
Director of the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre, Clare Armitage, said the loan was an exciting opportunity for the centre.
"The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre is honoured to be a part of the Sharing the National Collection program.
"The Big Rivers Region of the Northern Territory is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse areas on earth, and it is very special for us to be working with the National Gallery of Australia for the first time to share these artworks with our communities."
Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia's national cultural policy. The program has provided $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 right across the country.
Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.
