A sculpture from the National Gallery of Australia will soon find a new home at the Museum of Art and Culture yapang (MAC yapang) in Lake Macquarie. The artwork, titled I Am, created by acclaimed contemporary artist Andrew Rogers, will be displayed on long-term loan as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative. The transfer of this large abstract sculpture is scheduled for early 2026.
The sculpture will transition from its current site alongside Lake Burley Griffin to the shores of Lake Macquarie, where it will enrich MAC yapang’s renewed sculpture park. Andrew Rogers‘ works are renowned worldwide, with installations in places such as the Zhengzhou public art project in China, the University of California, Davis in the United States, and the Canberra International Airport.
Government Officials Highlight Community Benefits
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized the importance of sharing national art, stating, “The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra.” He noted that at any given time, 98 percent of the national collection is stored away, making programs like this essential for public access. “Over a million people have now had the chance to see a part of the national collection – that’s usually hidden – because of the Sharing the National Collection program,” he added.
Local MP Dan Repacholi celebrated the impact of this initiative on the Hunter region, saying, “This is world-class art landing right here in Lake Macquarie. It’s great to see the national collection being shared with communities like ours, where it’ll inspire locals, attract visitors, and become part of the landscape. It’s a big win for the Hunter.”
Artistic Vision for the Future
The Director of the National Gallery, Dr. Nick Mitzevich, expressed enthusiasm for the loan, highlighting that it allows a new audience to engage with the sculpture. “This partnership marks a new chapter in the story of Andrew Rogers’ sculpture,” he noted. Previously situated at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden, the piece will soon grace the banks of Lake Macquarie in Booragul, New South Wales.
Gifted to the National Gallery in 2018 through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, the sculpture’s relocation represents a significant opportunity to share its beauty with a broader audience.
Director of MAC yapang, Jasmine Kean, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This loan of such a significant work from the national collection with its delicately balanced form will overlook Lake Macquarie; its ripples and tightly curling and unfurling form will nestle into the space and reflect on the movement of the lake. It will inspire our community and visitors who will have the pleasure of coming into close contact – we thank the National Gallery for this opportunity to share.”
The Sharing the National Collection program is part of Revive, Australia’s national cultural policy, which has allocated $11.8 million over four years to cover the costs of transporting, installing, and insuring artworks in the national collection. This initiative enables regional and suburban galleries to apply for loans, enhancing cultural accessibility across the country. Images and attributions related to the collection can be found through official channels.
