News and Media

Client Testimonial - InForm

"Working with stylist Karin Bochnik, we selected contemporary Australian artworks from the Artbank collection to bring warmth, character and personality to our Lucas project in Brighton East.

The Philip Wolfhagen painting became a particular focal point. Set against a grey brick wall, its atmospheric landscape echoed the home’s strong connection between indoors and out.

Lucas gives our clients the opportunity to experience our design and craftsmanship firsthand, so it was important that the artworks complemented the architecture rather than competed with it. The Artbank collection helped us achieve that balance, enriching the experience of the home while supporting Australian artists."

- Cameron McKimm, Managing Director, InForm

Client Testimonial - Cultivated

"Our ongoing collaboration with Artbank has become an important part of how we bring Cultivated’s exhibitions and spaces to life. Across 3 very different projects, from our Cultivated x Mark Tuckey pop up with Foolscap Studio, to the NEWNEW Pavilion with Nexus Designs, and most recently RE:BORN, Artbank has helped us create spaces that feel considered, complete and engaging. 

There is a natural alignment between Artbank and Cultivated. We both believe in making great Australian design and creativity more accessible, while recognising the value of the objects and artworks that already exist around us. Artbank’s collection has allowed us to introduce exceptional Australian art into our spaces in a way that complements the furniture, materials and stories we are presenting, rather than simply decorating them.

Each collaboration has brought another layer of character and meaning to our spaces, and we love working with an organisation that shares our belief that good design, art and culture should be valued, circulated and experienced by more people."

- Joshua Ellis, General Manager, Cultivated

Client Testimonial - Clifford Chance

"The artworks we’ve sourced through Artbank have made a remarkable contribution to our Clifford Chance Sydney office – sparking conversation and transforming the space for our people and clients alike.

Each piece has been thoughtfully curated, reflecting the depth and diversity of Australian artistic talent.

Several First Nations artworks feature prominently within the collection, including a series of bark paintings positioned in our lift lobby. These pieces create an immediate impact, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, rich storytelling and an important connection to Australia’s cultural heritage.

We’re proud to showcase these works and couldn’t be happier with the results."

- Debbie Newman, Office Services Manager - Australia, Clifford Chance

Artbank is pleased to present our Year in Review 2025-26.

Highlighting some of our key achievements and showcasing the artworks we have acquired by the best Australian contemporary artists from across the nation in the 2025-26 financial year, we hope you enjoy reading our Year in Review report. 

Name: Fiona Hurel

Job Title: Art Conservator 

What year did you join the Artbank team: 2024

Describe your role and what you enjoy about working for Artbank:

I’m Artbank’s conservator. My job involves the care of the Artbank collection across all our sites. On the rare occasion a work gets damaged I undertake the repairs so that it can be available for loan as soon as possible.

My favourite part of working with the Artbank collection, is getting to work in collaboration with the living artist that are represented in the collection. My goal is to maintain their authorship over their own work, so I always aim to communicate when undertaking treatments on their art. The back-and-forth collaboration is an incredibly interesting and rewarding experience.

Favourite artwork from the Artbank Collection: #9194, Bridget Ohlsson, Peach, 1995, Oil on canvas

Short explanation of your artwork selection:

One of my favourite genres of works are still lives of singular fruit or vegetables. I also enjoy that this work looks like a moody peach emoji.

Artbank is pleased to present the inaugural Artbank Prize. 

A new pathway to a national collection. The prize has been established to recognise and support outstanding contemporary art practices, and to promote access for all Australian artists to present their work for consideration for the Artbank collection. It aims to champion new voices and help grow the breadth of contemporary Australian art represented across the country.

Artbank is pleased to announce Elyas Alavi (VIC) as the winner of the inaugural Artbank Prize, a new national acquisitive prize established to support outstanding contemporary Australian artists and create an open pathway into the Artbank collection.

Selected from a field of 742 applicants from across Australia, Elyas Alavi was chosen from eight state and territory finalists by an expert judging panel comprising artist Tony Albert, curator Ellie Buttrose and arts journalist Elizabeth Fortescue.

As the inaugural Artbank Prize winner, Alavi’s work, Face to Face, will be acquired into the Artbank collection, securing its place within one of Australia’s most significant contemporary art collections and enabling it to be shared with audiences nationwide.

To read the extended media release click the link below. 

Name: Hana Hoogedeure

Job Title: Facilities and Office Coordinator 

What year did you join the Artbank team: 2026

Describe your role and what you enjoy about working for Artbank:

I like to imagine I am the Groundskeeper Willie of Artbank's artwork storage and offices. Day to day my tasks range from building maintenance, monitoring the air quality, organising contractors and keeping a hawk’s eye on everything facilities. My role is very dynamic, and I work closely with all the teams to preserve and promote the vast collection of artworks. 

The best part of my job is getting to work with, and contribute to the speciality work of other staff members, whether this be registration, marketing, client services, curation or conservation. I am very lucky to work with, and learn from art experts who have such an in-depth knowledge of the collection.

Favourite artwork from the Artbank Collection: #1486, James Fardoulys, Stampede Under Aurora Australis, 1971, Oil on board

Short explanation of your artwork selection:

“Never say never till you’re 70” is something my mum always said. James Fardoulys was 71 when he painted this work and passed away 4 years later. A café worker turned taxi driver, married to a ventriloquist, who began painting in retirement. The composition is so bizarre yet confident, packed with personalities and almost sci-fi. The first time I saw it, I thought the aurora was a UFO.  

Name: Daniel Templeman

Job Title: Art Consultant, Brisbane

What year did you join the Artbank team: In my current role 2024

Describe your role and what you enjoy about working for Artbank:

I play match maker, finding the perfect artwork for the perfect location within our client’s premises. My favourite moments are when you can feel the energy within an office space change with the inclusion of great art. I get to meet new and old clients, talk about Australian art, and the important work Artbank does.

Artbank holds 4 artworks of mine in collection. Having my work acquired by Artbank some 20 years ago, was such a thrill. Being on the other side now, and knowing the work I do contributes to supporting other Australian artists feels very right.

Favourite artwork from the Artbank Collection: #11002, Paddy Guwumji Bedford, Camel Gap, 2002

Short explanation of your artwork selection:

The dotted line through the centre of the work suggests a horizon or shore. This simple line separates the two tones and creates a complex dimensional space. Applying two natural earth pigments from the artist’s Country, the work’s gestures and immediacy give it an authority well beyond the image, pointing to the deep understanding of place, across both time and space.

Client Testimonial - GB Art Advisory 

"When asked by a leading government agency to curate a contemporary collection showcasing the diversity and richness of modern Australia, we determined that Artbank was the ideal solution. 

We delivered a dynamic and visually compelling collection at a fraction of the cost of ownership. This approach also allows for future updates, ensuring the collection evolves alongside the organisation's changing tastes and needs"

- Georgie Bruce, Founder, GB Art Advisory