Temora Arts Centre has officially welcomed nationally significant Aboriginal ceramic artworks to the region, with the opening of At Home in Clay: Stories of Country, Community and Culture on Friday 14 August. The exhibition is presented through the National Gallery of Australia's Sharing the National Collection initiative and features work by the renowned Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of Western Arrarnta artists from Ntaria (Hermannsburg) in Central Australia whose vibrant ceramic vessels share stories of Country, culture, music, family and community. Gallery of Australia assistant director, collection management and art services, Dr Renée Joyce, travelled to Temora for the occasion. The event commenced with a moving Acknowledgement to Country delivered by Temora Public School student Addy Kayton. Temora Shire mayor Rick Firman said the exhibition was a significant cultural opportunity for the local community. "We have the privilege of welcoming nationally significant artworks from the National Gallery of Australia to our shire community," Cr Firman said. "Opportunities like this are not something regional communities can take for granted. “They allow residents and visitors to experience important cultural works close to home and remind us that great art belongs to everyone, regardless of where they live." Cr Firman acknowledged the Australian government, Minister for the Arts Tony Burke MP and the National Gallery of Australia for supporting the Sharing the National Collection initiative, which brings significant works from the national collection beyond Canberra and into regional communities. He also reflected on the exhibition's strong connection to Temora's growing ceramics community. "Over recent years we have seen a thriving ceramics community emerge through Temora Arts Centre. “Our pottery and ceramics programs continue to attract people of all ages, and this exhibition feels particularly at home here in Temora," he said. The exhibition includes works by highly regarded artists Judith Pungarta Inkamala, Anita Mbitjana Ratara, Verena Morris-Davis, Dawn Ngala Wheeler, Irene Mbitjana Entata, Samantha Cook and Gwen Abbott, whose works preserve and share cultural knowledge through clay. Dr Joyce said the exhibition demonstrates the value of ensuring Australia's national collection is accessible to communities across the country. "The National Gallery's collection belongs to all Australians, and partnerships like this ensure those stories can be experienced across the country," Dr Joyce said. Cr Firman also acknowledged the many people who helped bring the exhibition to Temora, including the National Gallery team, the Temora Arts Centre Advisory Committee, council staff and former Arts Centre Manager Jeremy Kruckle, who initiated the partnership more than two years ago. At Home in Clay: Stories of Country, Community and Culture will remain on display at Temora Arts Centre as part of the National Gallery of Australia's Sharing the National Collection program, providing local residents and visitors with access to nationally significant artworks that would otherwise typically be seen only in major institutions. The exhibition is open to the public (free entry) at Temora Arts Centre, 119 Aurora Street, Temora during the following hours: • Sunday and Monday: 1pm to 4pm • Tuesday to Thursday: 9.30am to 1pm • Tuesday and Wednesday: 4pm to 6pm Temora Shire Council
