Grafton Regional Gallery
TO WELCOME CONTEMPORARY TITANS FROM NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA | In 2026, Grafton Regional Gallery will welcome two works by leading contemporary artists James Turrell and Anish Kapoor, under the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.
Turrell’s Shanta II (blue) and Kapoor’s Hollow will be displayed for two years from the National Gallery of Australia as a drawcard attraction at Grafton Regional Gallery.
Considered the “master of light”, James Turrell is known for installations combining natural light and artificial colour to transform exhibition spaces. Whilst Sculptor Anish Kapoor’s conceptual work pushes the boundaries of the medium and is known to challenge audiences.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the government’s support was continuing to craft unique experiences across the country.
“At any point 98 per cent of our national collection is held in storage. This program will allow these normally unseen pieces to be displayed in the newly renovated Grafton Regional Gallery.”
“The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra.”
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan gives regional audiences the chance to see internationally-celebrated artists in their own community.
“This partnership between the National Gallery and Grafton Regional Gallery provides another opportunity to celebrate the dynamic breadth of the national collection and the ambitions of regional galleries in Australia.”
“Through the Sharing the National Collection program, the Grafton community will have an opportunity to experience these sculptures in a regional context – from two globally celebrated contemporary artists, James Turrell and Anish Kapoor.”
General Manager of Clarence Valley Council, Laura Black, said it was an exciting occasion for the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome works by two of the world’s greatest living artists – James Turrell and Anish Kapoor – to the Clarence Valley, as part of the National Gallery of Australia’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.”
“Having these artworks on display cements the important role Grafton Regional Gallery plays in contemporary arts in regional New South Wales.”
Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy.
Anish Kapoor, Hollow, 2012, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2013, © Anish Kapoor. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Copyright Agency, 2025.
The unveiling of James Turrell’s Shanta II (blue) and Anish Kapoor’s Hollow at Grafton Regional Gallery, will take place on Saturday the 18th of July. For further information, visit: www.graftongallery.nsw.gov.au
Image: Hollow by Anish Kapoor
