A prominent sculpture from the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden will soon grace the Museum of Art and Culture yapang (MAC yapang) in Lake Macquarie on a long-term loan. This initiative is made possible through the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program. The work, titled I Am, created in 2016 by renowned contemporary artist Andrew Rogers, will move from its current location near Lake Burley Griffin to the shores of Lake Macquarie, where it will be showcased in the gallery’s revitalized sculpture park in early 2026.
Rogers’ impressive body of work is internationally recognized, with pieces displayed in various notable sites such as the Zhengzhou public art project in China, the University of California, Davis, and most recently, the Canberra International Airport.
Government Officials Highlight Cultural Impact
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized the significance of the loan in broadening access to the national collection. “The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra,” he stated. “At any point, 98 percent of our national collection is held in storage. 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.”
Local Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP, expressed enthusiasm about the impact on the Lake Macquarie community. “This is world-class art landing right here in Lake Macquarie,” he remarked. “It’s great to see the national collection being shared with communities like ours, where it will inspire locals, attract visitors, and become part of the landscape. It’s a big win for the Hunter.”
New Opportunities for Community Engagement
Director of the National Gallery, Dr. Nick Mitzevich, noted that the loan presents a unique opportunity for a new audience to appreciate the sculpture. “This partnership marks a new chapter in the story of Andrew Rogers’ sculpture. It will soon sit on the banks of Lake Macquarie in Booragul, New South Wales, on long-term loan.” The sculpture was gifted to the National Gallery by the artist in 2018 through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, making this sharing of art particularly significant.
Director of MAC yapang, Jasmine Kean, also conveyed her excitement about the upcoming addition. “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,” she said. “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 initiative is part of Revive, Australia’s national cultural policy. The program has allocated $11.8 million over four years to cover costs associated with transporting, installing, and insuring works in the national art collection, allowing them to be seen across the country. Regional and suburban galleries interested in the loan program can register their interest through the official channels.
