Imagine waking up to a Sidney Nolan masterpiece hanging above your sofa. Thanks to ArtBank, an Australian government initiative, this dream can become a reality. The program allows individuals and businesses to rent high-quality artworks from a national collection, bringing culture into everyday spaces.
What is ArtBank?
Established in 1980, ArtBank acquires works from living Australian artists, supporting the creative economy while making art accessible to the public. For a modest fee, anyone can borrow pieces from a collection of over 11,000 works, including iconic pieces by legends like Nolan, Brett Whiteley, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
How Does It Work?
Clients browse the online catalogue, select their preferred artworks, and arrange rental terms—typically two years, with options to renew or purchase. Prices vary based on size and artist reputation, but start at just a few hundred dollars annually.
Why Rent Art?
- Affordable access to high-end art without the hefty price tag of ownership.
- Flexibility to rotate pieces and refresh your space regularly.
- Support living artists—revenue funds new acquisitions and artist commissions.
"It democratises art," says ArtBank curator Jane O’Neill. "You don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy a masterpiece."
A Sidney Nolan on Your Wall
Nolan’s Ned Kelly series is among the most sought-after in the collection. His bold, mythic depictions of the Australian outlaw bring a striking narrative to any room. "People love the storytelling in Nolan’s work," O’Neill notes. "It sparks conversations."
Whether for a corporate office, a boutique hotel, or a private home, ArtBank turns walls into galleries. As O’Neill puts it: "Why settle for a poster when you can live with the real thing?"
