Ned in the dock for Geelong exhibition
GEELONG Gallery has been named the exclusive Victorian venue for an exhibition of Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly paintings next year.
The announcement comes only months before the gallery is scheduled to exclusively host the Victorian showing of the Archibald Prize in September.
Next year’s tour marks the first time in 15 years that Nolan’s Ned Kelly pieces — which are some of the most recognisable pieces of Australian 20th century contemporary art — will tour across Australia.
Geelong Gallery director and chief executive Jason Smith said the gallery was thrilled to host such an exciting exhibition.
“This exhibition will be immensely popular with the Greater Geelong community and a major drawcard for visitors to our great city and region,” Mr Smith said.
“We are also thrilled about the educational opportunities and our ability to continue to demonstrate the capacity and audience reach of Geelong Gallery.”
Nolan’s work have rarely been accessible to those living in regional Australia.
The City of Greater Geelong has announced its support for the exhibition with the pledge of $20,000 from Geelong Major Events.
The exhibition includes 26 out of the 27 pieces in Nolan’s Ned Kelly collection.
The exhibition will be held from March 2 until May 26 next year.