A sculpture from the National Gallery of Australia's Sculpture Garden will be loaned to Caloundra Regional Gallery on Queensland's Sunshine Coast for two years thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's Sharing the National Collection program.
The striking sculpture Woman in jumpsuit by celebrated Australian artist Linda Marrinon, a large-scale work of bronze painted in pastel yellow and pink, will make its way north and soon be on display.
The work will move from beside Lake Burley Griffin to standing proudly outside the gallery, drawing visitors' attention up from the main street.
The unveiling of the sculpture will coincide with Caloundra Regional Gallery's 25th anniversary celebrations and will be featured alongside works from leading national and local artists.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the program was continuing to benefit both regional galleries and visitors.
"Our Sharing the National Collection program has given regional audiences a chance to see things that normally don't make it out beyond our major cities."
Senator for Queensland, Corinne Mulholland said this is a win for the Sunshine Coast.
"The purpose of art is to provoke contemplation and conversation, so it shouldn't be confined to capital cities, every Australian deserves to stand in front of the works that have helped shape our national story.
"I hope everyone takes the opportunity to see it because it might be a moment that sparks a lifetime of creativity inside a kid from Kawana or Coolum - such is the power of presenting national art in local places.
"Best of all this program is fully funded by the Federal Government, so it doesn't cost Sunny Coast ratepayers a cent to get to enjoy world-class art."
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan provides more access to the work of Australian artists.
"Through the Sharing the National Collection program, the National Gallery continues the work of Know My Name. Sharing art by leading Australian women artists with regional communities.
"Linda Marrinon's sculptural works are informed by wit, feminism and a deep engagement with art history. The National Gallery is pleased to partner with Caloundra Regional Gallery, bringing Marrinon's largest work to date to the Sunshine Coast for the next two years."
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said it was a win for the region.
"We're honoured and excited to welcome this extraordinary sculpture to the region. Its arrival, timed with the 25th anniversary of Caloundra Regional Gallery, is a powerful symbol of our region's growing cultural vibrancy."
"I thank the Albanese Government and the National Gallery of Australia for making world-class art accessible to our community.
"This program not only enriches our local arts scene but also inspires future generations of artists and art lovers."
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 and their attributions of the sculpture can be found here.
