Pitch versus reality: can new National Collection loan scheme be as accessible as it aims to be?
Looking beyond the headlines of this major announcement, questions arise around its viability – especially for the smaller galleries it aims to include.
Visitors to Geelong Art Gallery take in the Archibald Prize touring exhibition in 2018. Image: Shutterstock.
In late January the Federal Government announced an $11.8 million commitment to support a new long-term loan scheme designed to allow more works from the National Gallery’s Collection to be shared with regional and suburban galleries.
One example is Wangaratta Art Gallery, the curator of which Ashlee Laing says that while the new scheme is a hugely exciting prospect for the sector, the realities of what it takes for a gallery of his size to host major works for long periods, raises questions around whether the Gallery could even apply to take part.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
