As a national organisation and Australia’s leading contemporary art museum, the MCA aims to exhibit the art of today in innovative and scholarly ways and to making its extensive collection available to a broad public. The touring program offers unique exhibitions and projects that significantly contribute to critical debate about contemporary art and ideas. Each year we present a number of touring exhibitions which are taken out to venues regionally, nationally and internationally.

Almanac presents the generous donation made to the MCA by Ann Lewis. Thanks to Ann’s roles as collector, philanthropist and gallerist, visitors to this exhibition can enjoy a collection of works built at the forefront of cultural production across five decades. The exhibition also draws upon the major gifts by Ann Lewis to the Newcastle Region Art Gallery and Moree Plains Gallery.

Tracing changes in taste, influence, styles and ideas, Almanac reflects a collection with depth and currency. Veering across time and location, it comprises paintings, photography sculpture, ceramics and printmaking including several works which will be on public display for the first time.

The exhibition begins with abstract painting by modernist Ralph Balson, and later works by John Firth-Smith and Richard Dunn, and continues through to more recent works by Aboriginal artists from remote regions. The diversity of materials and approaches is reflected in the media and methods employed by the artists – from Robert Klippel’s delicately teetering metal sculptures to Hany Armanious’ hotmelt sculptures that solidify the negative spaces of various wine glasses. Similarly works by Rosalie Gascoigne and Neil Roberts use found objects which carry the aura of their history.

The exhibition includes a number of photographic works by artists such as Rosemary Laing and Anne Zahalka, which combine wit, scale and observation alongside compelling portraits and street studies by photojournalist Jon Lewis. Significantly, the exhibition also features several works by respected Aboriginal artists, including the acclaimed Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Sally Gabori, Gloria Petyarre and Judy Watson.

Ann Lewis has worked tirelessly throughout her lifetime to raise the profile of Australian artists abroad, and to bring international artists to local audiences. Having been amassed as a private collection, this exhibition mirrors the deeply personal relationships Ann Lewis has enjoyed with a diverse array of artists. The end result is a fascinating showcase of Ann’s friendships and professional networks both in Australia and abroad. Works by international artist Callum Innes and Robert Rauschenberg are therefore another highlight of the exhibition.

Westpac has a long history of investing in and working with the community since we opened our doors nearly 200 years ago. As Australia's First Bank, Westpac has long-focused on supporting local events and being an active and valued member of the community. It's just part of our commitment to champion the things that matter to the people who are part of our local neighbourhood. We are delighted to be partnering with the Museum of Contemporary Art to bring art to local communities across Australia and proud to be the Touring Partner for Almanac: The Gift of Ann Lewis AO.

Tour Venues and Dates

1. Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Civic Centre,
Cnr Bourke & Church Sts, Goulburn.
Main entrance from Chisholm Court off Church Street
Tel: 02 4823 4494 

Exhibition dates: 10 January 2011 – 6 February 2011

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2. The Drill Hall Gallery
Kingsley Street, off Barry Drive
Acton Canberra ACT
Tel: 02 6125 5832

Exhibition dates: 17 February 2011 – 3 April 2011

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3. Wollongong City Gallery
46 Burelli Street
Wollongong NSW
Tel: 02 4228 7500

Exhibition dates: 16 April 2011 – 5 June 2011

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4. New England Regional Art Museum
Kentucky Street
Armidale NSW
Tel: 02 6772 5255

Exhibition dates: 18 Nov 2011 – 5 Feb 2012