Visitors to Ulverstone Art Gallery in Tasmania will get a unique glimpse into the magic of the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Australia thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
Two works are heading south to the regional gallery, including a bronze study of the large bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin Maquette for The burghers of Calais, 1884 cast 1973 and Rick Amor's preparatory work Study for 'The dog', 1994.
Both works are studies by the artists for sculptures that are currently on display in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden.
Nestled in Tasmania's northwest coast, Ulverstone Art Gallery is housed within the HIVE cultural precinct and will craft an integrated program around both these works.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said this loan was a unique opportunity for audiences to connect with well-known works in a different way.
"Often with sculpture we see the finished bronzed product, but these studies are interesting because the viewer gets to see the artists' hands at the inception of the work.
"At any point 98 per cent of the national collection is held in storage. This loan is an example of just some of the varied works that the program makes available for galleries to show to local audiences."
Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart said this loan is a fantastic opportunity for the Braddon Community to receive a glimpse into the National Gallery of Australia's collection.
"Ulverstone is a thriving cultural community. Sharing the National Collection is a fantastic program which enables local communities like the Central Coast to gain an insight into the National Gallery Collection."
Central Coast Council Mayor, Cheryl Fuller said the loan was a win for the region.
"HIVE was created to celebrate community and culture in our region - a place where everyone can come together to learn, connect, and be inspired. Art is made to be seen - to challenge us and spark new ideas.
"We are very proud to be able to showcase these works through the Sharing the National Collection program, bringing great art to all Australians, wherever they live. This is a rare opportunity to experience part of the national collection right here in Ulverstone, and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy it."
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the program was continuing to offer unique cultural experiences across Australia.
"The Sharing the National Collection program creates opportunities for regional galleries to use works from the national collection to engage with their audiences in new ways.
"From Rick Amor to Auguste Rodin, the National Gallery is excited to partner with Ulverstone Art Gallery to bring bronze works by significant artists to a regional Tasmanian community."
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.
Images of the works can be found here.
