Artbank Celebrates 45 Years with New Prize and Major Publication

Artbank, Australia’s national art collection and leasing program, is marking its 45th anniversary with the launch of a major publication, new exhibitions, and the announcement of its inaugural Artbank Prize.

On Display: The story of Artbank, Australia’s most visible art collection chronicles the history and impact of the unique federal program, which has acquired over 11,000 works by more than 3,500 Australian artists since its establishment in 1980. The limited edition publication features artwork images, client displays, archival material, and personal reflections from artists, gallerists, and clients.

Operating under the philosophy that “art is for everyone,” Artbank maintains over half its collection on lease at any time, placing contemporary Australian art in homes, workplaces and public institutions through an affordable and accessible program that promotes Australian art to the broader public.

To accompany the publication launch, Artbank is presenting On Display, a free exhibition at its Melbourne premises running until 10 October 2025. The show features works by 26 leading and emerging Australian artists from the collection, including Sidney Nolan, Jeffrey Smart, Margaret Olley, Emily Kam Kngwarray, Patricia Piccinini, Howard Arkley, Emma Buswell and Jean Barth.

A second exhibition, Art Text/Text Art, will be presented in the Artbank Sydney Window from 28 August to 24 October 2025. Curated by founding Curator James Kenny and current Curator Oliver Watts, the exhibition explores Australian stories through text and image with works by Ian W. Abdulla, Darcey Bella Arnold, Chayni Henry, Heather Koowootha, Michael Lindeman, Alasdair McLuckie and Tom Polo.

The newly established Artbank Prize represents a significant new opportunity for Australian artists not currently in the collection. Open to all living artists—emerging or established, represented or independent—working in any medium suitable for public leasing, the prize will select one finalist from each state and territory. The winning work will be acquired for a maximum purchase price of $20,000, with an exhibition of the eight finalists planned at Artbank’s premises alongside a public program.

“We’re delighted to offer the Artbank Prize for the first time and create a new pathway for Australian artists to be included in the Artbank collection,” said Artbank Director Zoë Rodriguez. “It will celebrate the diversity of contemporary practices across the country and ensure that more artists have the opportunity for their work to be acquired, recognised and shared through our leasing program.”

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke praised the program’s enduring impact: “There are more artists with careers because of Artbank. There is more art on display around the nation because of Artbank.”

Submission dates for the inaugural Artbank Prize will be announced soon.