Sharing the National Collection: Golden opportunity for Maryborough to host national treasures

Regional Victoria’s goldmining history is set to shine when the Central Goldfields Art Gallery displays beautiful colonial and contemporary gold jewellery from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection.

The latest loan under the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative will see 12 pieces on display at the Maryborough gallery for two years from 27 June 2024.

They include three contemporary works in gold and silver by Victorian jewellery designer Rowena Gough, a Maryborough local whose works are collected by major galleries across the country.

An intricate mid-19th century Australian goldfields brooch crafted by Godfrey and Abraham will also be on show, alongside several sparkling pieces of a similar vintage from unknown artists.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said he was excited to see local galleries using pieces from the national collection to tell their own stories and histories.

“The national collection belongs to all Australians. Loans like this show how works held by the National Gallery have significance well beyond Canberra.

“Bringing works out of storage and into local galleries to be appreciated by new audiences and communities is what Sharing the National Collection is all about.”

National Gallery Director Nick Mitzevich said, “The Sharing the National Collection initiative has allowed direct collaboration with regional venues to curate works of art from the collection for loan that will have an impact on their region. 

“The partnership between the National Gallery and Central Goldfields Art Gallery shares colonial and contemporary works of art with the Central Victorian community that deeply resonate with their gold mining history.”

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Liesbeth Long said the works offer the Maryborough community and visitors the chance to look at this significant period in local history with new eyes.

“Central Goldfields Art Gallery is a jewel in the crown of central Victoria. These artworks help us to understand and tell our story in new and rich ways.  

“Great things do come in small sizes and the presentation of artworks on loan from the National Gallery of Australia, through the Sharing the National Collection program, is a golden moment for our region and not to be missed.”

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $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 across the country for extended periods.

The works can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website. 

Regional and suburban galleries can register their expressions of interest via this link.

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