A group of intricate sculptures by a renowned Australian artist will be loaned to Eastern Riverina Arts from the National Gallery of Australia for two years thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
Paradisus Terrestris (1989-90) is a collection of 23 works from acclaimed artist Fiona Hall AO and will be displayed at Eastern Riverina Arts in Wagga Wagga, an organisation that works in collaboration with eight local councils, stimulating creative participation for the arts in regional Australia.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the program is continuing to benefit both regional galleries and visitors.
"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."
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said it is an honour to share this iconic body of work by an Australian woman artist with regional Australians.
"The National Gallery is excited to partner with Eastern Riverina Arts to bring celebrated Australian artist Fiona Hall's work to the community through the Sharing the National Collection program.
Hall has an extraordinary ability to take everyday materials and turn them into vital organic forms with historical and contemporary relevance - and now Riverina audiences can experience her iconic sardine cans in Paradisus Terrestris close to home over the next two years."
Brittany Hefren, Acting Executive Director of Eastern Riverina Arts said:
"This loan gives our audiences a rare opportunity to experience Fiona Hall's remarkable work locally, connecting our community with one of Australia's leading contemporary artists.
We're proud to partner with the National Gallery of Australia to bring this extraordinary work to the Eastern Riverina."
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.
An image of the pieces and their attributions can be found here.
