Museum Archives - Page 16 of 44 - Destination's Journey

13 April 202211 April 2022

National Portrait Gallery Canberra

Photographic Portraits National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery Canberra

Opened in 2008, the National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of prominent Australians who are important in their field of endeavour or whose life sets them apart as an individual of long-term public interest.

Located next o the High Court of Australia and across the road from the National Gallery of Australia, it’s easy to find. We parked at the Questacon Car Park, because we intended to see other attractions in the area. This is a paid car park, but there are usually spaces available, and it’s centrally located. Parking is available at the National Gallery, but this fills quickly.

On entering the gallery, you are met by the sculpture Geo Face Distributor, popularly known as the orange blob. Apparently you can see different faces depending on how you look at it, but we could only see a blob.

Walking around the galleries, we could identify many of the portraits, without reading the descriptions. Obvious Government officials (Quentin Bryce the Governor General) and Justice Michael Kirby were present, but not walls full of ex-Prime Ministers, which we were pleased about.

It was great to see actors like Deborah Mailman, Hugh Jackman and Ruth Cracknell along with cricketer Shane Warne. Important indigenous leaders like Pat Dodson and Richard Walley were also present.

What Did We Think?

This was an interesting gallery to visit because of the variety of people represented. Entry is free, unless you want to go to any special exhibits that are on. After finishing, we went next door to the National Gallery of Australia.

Geo Face Distributor by James Angus (popularly the giant orange blob)

For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here

2 April 202231 March 2022

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre New South Wales Australia

The recently opened Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre (March 2022) is an extension of the Visitor Information Centre showcasing local artists. Including a café, playground, and children’s bike track, it’s a great place to stop when passing through town for a break to stretch the legs. Also in the area is a World War Two Matilda II tank, just next to the highway.

The Visitor Information Centre contains displays of local produce, like wines and a help desk. The help desk can provide you with information on local events, places to go and accommodation.

Past the help desk, the art gallery contains two galleries which host rotating displays by local artists.

Located in the same building, Parkview Café offers light meals and refreshment for weary travellers passing through. There is also a deck out the back where you can relax and look over the park.

Entrance to the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre — Entrance to the Cultural Centre

Inside the Visitor Information Centre Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre — Entrance to the Cultural Centre

We Are Singleton: Portrait of a Town by Edwina Richards

Edwina Richards’ photographic study of the people of Singleton is displayed in the main gallery. The portraits show the life of everyday people, celebrating the diverse identity of Singleton in 2022.

This display leaves the gallery on 8 May 2022.

We Are Singleton: Portrait of a Town by Edwina Richards

Mapping Wanaruah / Wonnarua by Debbie Becker

We really enjoyed the exhibition by Debbie Becker, not only because of the style, but because the art depicts local culture. Places like the fig tree meeting place, events such as bushfires and historically important events such as the Myall Creek Massacre are included.

Debbie’s work is on display until 8 May 2022, so you will need to be quick to see it.

Fig Tree Meeting Place by Debbie Becker Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre — Myall Creek Massacre by Debbie Becker

Matilda Tank

Located outside the café, the Matilda tank gives Townhead Park its unofficial name of Tank Park. Easily visible from the highway it’s very popular with kids, because the can climb all over it.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

29 March 20225 April 2022

Archibald Prize 2021 in Maitland

Archibald Prize 2021 in Maitland

Displayed at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery until March 6 2022, the Archibald Prize finalists for 2021 showcased a great variety of painting styles.

The Archibald Prize is Australia’s most prestigious portrait prize, having been awarded since 1921. Named after J. F. Archibald, the editor of The Bulletin who left a bequeath for the prize it is currently worth $100,000.

Every year the Archibald Prize visits regional centres around Australia, which lets people who can’t get to a major city enjoy the art. This year, Maitland was one of the lucky towns to get the collection for a few weeks.