The Balnaves Contemporary Series
![Photo of a woman standing inside a hot air balloon](https://media.nga.gov.au/ESPp_GgZOXlW9OlAg7chFV4TKYU=/1600x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/skywhalespatricia.693c521.jpg)
Key information
Launched in 2018, The Balnaves Contemporary Series is a commissioning platform that enables artists to create new work. The Series is delivered in partnership with The Balnaves Foundation.
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The Balnaves Foundation
Visit the website for The Balnaves Foundation
![Colourful geometric work of art created in light is projected onto the brutalist concrete architecture of the National Gallery](https://media.nga.gov.au/Q0s65V-qy9P887rAhA4JjRFcaGc=/adaptive-fit-in/800x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/Daniel_Crooks__-_2.png)
Daniel Crooks Structured light 2022, Commissioned for The Balnaves Contemporary Series for Enlighten Festival, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra
Daniel Crooks: Structured light
Enlighten Festival
2022
An illumination on the National Gallery’s façade for the 2022 Enlighten Festival.
![A work on paper, a map outline of Queensland with the outline of the profile of a woman's head overlayed](https://media.nga.gov.au/3fcj7jAzi7zTQDnm8VmPFO0z248=/adaptive-fit-in/800x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/Judy_Watson_joyce_with_queensland_tenure_map_2021_CWarner_hi_res.jpg)
Judy Watson, Waanyi people, joyce with queensland tenure map, 2021, Commissioned as part of The Balnaves Contemporary Series, © Judy Watson/Copyright Agency
Judy Watson and Helen Johnson: the red thread of history, loose ends
2022
Work by two of Australia’s leading artists presented in conversation.
![Photograph of the launch of Skywhales with people seated in foreground](https://media.nga.gov.au/3DYJ_sbijfF-Vh6CbZozCGPxGBg=/348x70:3546x3136/adaptive-fit-in/800x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/20210207_SkyWhalePapa_Launch_0001.a159612.jpg)
Skywhale and Skywhalepapa at the first launch in Canberra.
Patricia Piccinini's Skywhales: Every heart sings
2020/21
Sculptures in the form of hot-air balloons.
![Brightly coloured objects hang from the ceiling of a largo foyer](https://media.nga.gov.au/xrZteP_QzWaoU6eWzoeuTysaQEE=/adaptive-fit-in/800x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/20180427ngaLM_0501.c2e73e0.jpg)
Installation view of Sarah Contos, Nikola Tesla sends Theda Bara to Mars, 2017-18, commissioned with the assistance of The Balnaves Foundation 2017, purchased 2018, courtesy of the artist; Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney and STATION, Melbourne
Sarah Contos: Nikola Tesla sends Theda Bara to Mars
2018
An installation of suspended textiles and fleshy sculptural forms.
![Futuristic staircase digital world](https://media.nga.gov.au/6BDMTR-MaVVp2CPwjPjTiYJPqbc=/5x6:1401x1376/adaptive-fit-in/800x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/2021.11.20_10.385fb30.jpg)
Jess Johnson and Simon Ward, Terminus, still image of Fleshold. Courtesy of the artists; Darren Knight Gallery, Sydney; Ivan Anthony Gallery, Auckland and Jack Hanley Gallery, New York
Jess Johnson & Simon Ward: Terminus
2018
A virtual reality experience in five parts.