Over one million Australians have experienced the national art collection since the launch of the Sharing the National Collection program in 2023. Now, the focus shifts to Mudgee, where the program will bring renowned artworks closer to local audiences. Starting in October 2025, works by celebrated artists, including Andy Warhol, will be displayed at the Mudgee Arts Precinct.
The exhibition will feature iconic pieces such as Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup II – Cheddar Cheese from 1969, alongside works from Roy Lichtenstein and other notable figures of the 20th century. This initiative, part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to enhance cultural accessibility, aims to rotate four presentations over the next two years. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with diverse art-making techniques, from lithographs and screenprints to woodcuts and sculptures.
Since its inception, the Sharing the National Collection program has attracted over one million visitors to various galleries. Notably, the Wanneroo Regional Gallery in Western Australia reported a remarkable 280 percent increase in visitor numbers during the first six months of its partnership, highlighting the enthusiasm for high-caliber art exhibitions across the country.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized the initiative’s impact, stating, “At any point in time, 98 percent of the national collection is held in storage. Art is meant to be seen and appreciated, not hidden away.” Burke noted that the program’s success demonstrates a strong public desire to access culturally significant works without having to travel to major cities.
The Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr. Nick Mitzevich, remarked on the program’s wider implications. “Reaching one million visitors through the Sharing the National Collection program is a powerful testament to the significance of the national collection. This initiative ensures that every Australian, regardless of their location, can engage with their cultural heritage.”
General Manager of the Mid-Western Regional Council, Brad Cam, welcomed the arrival of these important artworks. “The Mudgee Arts Precinct has been working closely with the National Gallery of Australia to bring these significant works to the region,” he stated. “We are confident that many people will travel to Mudgee to see artworks usually only available at major institutions in capital cities.”
The Sharing the National Collection program is supported by $11.8 million allocated over four years from 2023 to 2024. This funding covers the costs associated with transporting, installing, and insuring works from the national collection, enabling their display across the country. Regional and suburban galleries interested in participating in the loan program can register their interest through the National Gallery.
As Mudgee prepares to host this prestigious collection, the community looks forward to exploring the rich tapestry of art that shapes Australia’s cultural identity. The first exhibition, titled Icons of Pop Art, promises to be a significant cultural event that will engage and inspire visitors from near and far.
