Victoria’s COVIDSafe Summer is here with the launch of the must-see NGV Triennial.
Marking the reopening of the NGV International, NGV Triennial is a free, exclusive exhibition showcasing the best in contemporary art and design from across the globe.
Premier Daniel Andrews was at the NGV International today to preview the exhibition, which is the second instalment of the NGV Triennial. The first, held in 2017, welcomed 1.23 million attendees, making it the most attended exhibition in the NGV’s history.
The exhibition takes over the gallery inside and out, with jaw dropping works by more than 100 artists, designers, architects and collectives from more than 30 countries.
Visitors can expect to see works by international art superstars like American artist Jeff Koons and French photographer and street artist JR, alongside local artists and designers, such as Melbourne’s Sibling Architecture and artist and photographer Atong Atem.
Showcasing works across all mediums, the show includes a towering 10 metre high video artwork by Turkish artist Refik Anadol incorporating quantum computing and AI technology, striking bark paintings and works by Yolngu artist from North East Arnhem Land, Dhambit Mununggurr, and a whole floor dedicated to light-based works.
Accompanying activities include outdoor dining and music, a specially curated NGV Kids exhibition by Los-Angeles based Japanese artist Misaki Kawai, the NGV Kids Summer Festival and an NGV Kids on Tour program in regional Victoria. Plus, the widely popular NGV Everyday online initiative will continue with virtual tours and activities.
NGV Triennial is an example of the kind of experiences that will be on offer year-round at the NGV Contemporary. The ground-breaking new gallery will be built during phase one of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, a once in a generation project that received $1.46 billion in funding in the 2020-21 Victorian Budget.
In more good news for Victoria’s world leading cultural precinct, the Ian Potter Foundation today pledged $20 million for NGV Contemporary – the single biggest grant in the Foundation’s history.
The Arts Precinct Transformation, which includes a new 18,000 square metre public garden – equivalent to the size of the MCG – with performance spaces, public art, cafes and restaurants, will create more than 5,000 local construction sector jobs and support more than 200 new ongoing jobs in our creative sector when complete.
NGV Triennial opens at NGV International on St Kilda Road on Saturday, 19 December and will run until 18 April 2021. Entry is free. For full details and to book a ticket, visit .
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“There couldn’t be a better way to welcome Victorians back to the NGV – the people’s gallery – than with the spectacular second NGV Triennial.”
“It will be a drawcard for Victorians and visitors, and support jobs as we rebuild.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“NGV Triennial is set to be a cultural experience like no other. Like many Victorians, I can't wait to return to the NGV and to a summer of extraordinary contemporary art, design and creativity.”
Reviewed 17 December 2020