The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Twenty-five years old and still strong

Artbank will celebrate its 25 th birthday this year with a record number of artworks and a new logo designed to take it into the next 25 years the Minister for Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, said at an official function in Parliament House tonight.

Senator Kemp said Artbank, the Government’s national art rental scheme, has played a critical role in supporting Australian artists over the last 25 years and currently has more than 9000 artworks on offer for public and private rental.

“In 25 years the Artbank collection has grown from 600 to more than 9000 artworks representing almost 3000 artists from varying backgrounds around the country,” Senator Kemp said.

“The ever expanding Artbank collection is now valued at around $24 million and includes pieces from a diverse range of media and styles including paintings, photography, drawings, textiles, sculpture, ceramics and glass by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists,” Senator Kemp said.

“Artbank encourages developing Australian artists, broadens our appreciation of contemporary Australian art and recognises the diversity of contemporary Australian arts and artists”

As well as work from emerging artists, Artbank features works by established artists including Arthur Boyd, John Brack, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

“For the past 13 years Artbank has been financially self-sufficient with funds reinvested in to the country's art community,” Senator Kemp said.

“Artbank directly supports artists by purchasing significant works as they become available through the primary market – commercial galleries, artists’ studios and craft workshops.”

Artbank’s clients comprise the public, corporate and private sectors from around the country.

Artbank also provides artworks to more than 80 Australian embassies and missions around the world aiding ambassadors in their work in promoting Australian culture.

CANBERRA
11 October 2005
Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276