News and Media

Client Testimonial - Ciliberto Architects

"We thoroughly enjoyed working with the Artbank team to select artworks from the vast collection. Their extensive knowledge of Australian art made what could have been an overwhelming process into an exciting and inspiring experience. 

The selected artworks perfectly complete the Wollemi Capital office fit-out project, introducing areas of interest and pleasure - a valuable counterpoint to the more practical moments within the workplace environment. We look forward to going through the process again in the future to create an exciting refresh, which is the beauty of the Artbank model!"

- Anna Ciliberto, Founding Director, Ciliberto Architects 

Name: Guy Louden

Job Title: Collections Officer and Art Consultant, Perth

What year did you join the Artbank team: 2024

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

At Artbank I manage the leasing of the collection to WA and NT clients, as well as a bit of registration and collections work. I am based at our new collection store in central Perth. It is a privilege to work with Artbank, because it plays a crucial role in supporting and stimulating contemporary art in Australia.

Favourite artwork from the Artbank Collection: #16574, Dan McCabe, Marlock Tiger, 2019

Short explanation of your artwork selection: 

Part of the way Artbank supports Australian artists is by making really thoughtful, impactful acquisitions. It doesn’t always buy artworks that are easy, simplistically pretty, or readily bankable.

This artwork from Dan McCabe is good example. This is not a "conventionally pretty" piece – though it is elegant and beautifully-made. It is genuinely contemporary, experimenting with new materials to make its meaning. It is also a conceptually challenging work, with dark and serious themes. And, like many good Artbank acquisitions, it was bought at a pivotal early point in the artist’s career, thereby stimulating and encouraging their practice.

The artwork itself turns out to have been prescient. This is a work about looming violence, techno militarism, and fascist masculinity – but it was produced through the 2010's, years before these themes became so obviously apparent in our society. I should admit that I am also sentimental about this artwork because Dan is a friend, and we shared a studio while it was being made. Which apart from being all about me, just goes to show that Artbank is actually connected to the culture of living working artists – which is how a contemporary arts institution should be.

Client Testimonial - Eva

"We love partnering with Artbank to showcase Australian artists in our showroom. The flexibility to refresh our space with thoughtfully curated artwork aligns with our approach of designing furniture that fits seamlessly into any home.

Opening Carlton House, our new showroom on Faraday St Carlton, was a huge highlight for Eva for 2024. The quality of our products, the thoughtfulness in design and the location of the showroom, meant we needed to find the right creative partners to celebrate with. 

Artbank was instantly appealing to our team for so many reasons. From selection to installation, it’s been such a pleasure to work alongside the team. Curating collaboratively for the space, and celebrating Australian art and artists, has been an absolute highlight for us. The pieces chosen are a point of interest for our customers and really have turned our space from showroom to home."

- Amanda Niu, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Eva

Client Testimonial - Mathieson Architects

"We were invited by our developer client to design a unique two-level penthouse with expansive views of Sydney Harbour. Our goal was to create a space that would resonate with the tastes of discerning individuals, both domestic and international, by blending contemporary design with a carefully selected collection of Australian art. 

Working with Artbank was an inspiring experience. Their team understood the vision for the Kurraba Penthouse and encouraged us to explore a diverse range of artworks. 

We enjoyed the process of selecting the pieces with Artbank and were introduced to interesting works from both emerging talents and established Australian artists. The art collection has added a special dimension to the penthouse, offering potential buyers a glimpse of how their own art could enhance this beautiful space. 

The feedback from our clients and prospective purchasers has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming that the art has added immeasurable value to the project. Thanks to Artbank for helping us bring such meaningful works into the project."

- Philip Mathieson, Design Director, Mathieson Architects, Kurraba Penthouse

Client Testimonial - Australian Embassy Kuwait

“In my previous postings, I’ve seen how powerfully Artbank pieces convey Australia’s diversity and challenge guests to our embassies and official residences to see our country through a different lens. So, it was such a privilege to access Artbank’s collection as I prepared for my posting as ambassador to Kuwait. 

I knew I wanted to diversify Australia’s engagement in Kuwait, and it was important to me that the official residence provide a welcoming and engaging space that reflected the breadth of Australia, and the connection between women from ancient times to today. I love how the pieces convey such a broad spectrum of women in Australia and their relationship with Country and the broader world: anchored by Mabel Juli’s ancient wisdom in 'Karngin and Glingennayn', the connection and ceremony in Naanu Nangala and Daisy Napaltjarri Jugadi’s 'Untitled' pieces, to the playfulness of Ochre Lawson’s depiction of 'Snow Gums and Wombat', and the calm determination of Prudence Flint’s 'Aviator'. 

In addition, the pieces are colourful and beautiful and, whether for meetings, receptions or other gatherings with eminent Kuwaitis, they welcome and inspire guests, while giving them a strong sense of who we are.” 

- Melissa Kelly, Australian Ambassador to Kuwait

Client Testimonial - Kervale

“Art has the power to transform a space, and working with Artbank makes that transformation effortless and exciting. 

Their specialists have an incredible eye, and every year they help our team select pieces that not only enhance our office but also bring joy and inspiration to our everyday work. 

We love seeing how the art in our office sparks conversation and creativity among our collaborators and visitors. Thanks to Artbank, our workspace is ever evolving, engaging and full of character!” 

- Rob Moolman, Managing Director, Kervale

Client Testimonial - DLA Piper, Sydney

“DLA Piper completed a refurb in their Martin Place, Sydney premises earlier this year. It was a huge job, and we utilised Artbank’s leasing services to fit out the floors with exquisite artwork that would engage staff and clients. 

Our art committee liaised closely with Artbank Consultant Courtney Kidd and leaned on her expertise in fine tuning a selection that we love ... from the optical dance in Nike Savvas’ Viva Forever, to the dynamic abstractions of Kyle Jenkins and Lara Merrett, to Del Kathryn Barton’s Sunset Gazing Bunny, and the mesmerising corridor of bark paintings that speak to an ancient Indigenous history. 

It is terrific to be working in an environment surrounded by the best of contemporary art and to know that all our monies from leasing artworks is reinvested into Artbank’s artist support program and growing the collection.” 

- Jo O’Brien, Property & Workplace Manager, DLA Piper Australia

Client Testimonial - Winning Group

“We recently renovated our Winning Group Head Office in Sydney to create an environment that is inclusive of all team members and our diverse personalities, and to act as a canvas that promotes ideas and collaboration. 

As a century-old Australian family business, we were proud and excited to partner with Artbank to support Australian artists, where we have curated a collection of 44 contemporary Australian artworks, including many First Nations works, to feature throughout our new space. These artworks have helped us to reimagine our Head Office, transforming it into a vibrant and inviting space designed to spark innovation, collaboration and a genuine feeling of belonging, which aligns to our mission to create the best experiences in the world, for the world - for our customers, our people, our communities and the planet.”

- Sam Fay, Chief of Staff, Winning Group

Client Testimonial - Brookfield Property

The Artbank Collection is made up of artworks from all over this vast country. Artbank has supported a number of our clients to bring First Nations culture, language, histories and voices to their workplace and to ensure the spirit of reconciliation is not just a vision but an active part of their everyday. Through the rich, complex and important First Nations artworks Artbank is able to share with our clients, we can help to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country and the strength and resilience of the longest cultures on the planet.  Artbank has worked with Brookfield Properties to curate a significant selection of First Nations artworks in their Asia–Pacific head office at Brookfield Place Sydney.

"In partnership with Artbank, Brookfield and Brookfield Properties have been fortunate to curate a collection of artworks in our Asia–Pacific head office at Brookfield Place Sydney, which features all First Nations artists across more than 30 artworks.

Our ongoing collaboration with Artbank is just one of many ways Brookfield and Brookfield Properties are meeting our vision of making real estate better, and in meeting our reconciliation vision to elevate First Nations cultures, histories, languages and art in the properties we develop and operate.

In the spirit of reconciliation, we were fortunate to have the talented Senior Art Curator at Artbank, Dr Oliver Watts, host a curatorial art experience of this collection. Our VIP guests we’re taken on an in-depth journey of the collection, experiencing First Nations culture through the stories shaped by the artworks. Oliver’s art history knowledge brings an impressive approach to storytelling, providing our guests with a thought-provoking, and culturally immersive experience."

- Michelle Howard, Senior Marketing Manager and RAP Engagement Officer, Brookfield Property, 2024

"Brookfield is delighted to have partnered with Artbank for the past three years, enabling us to showcase the diverse and extraordinary talent of Australian artists in our Asia Pacific head office at Brookfield Place Sydney. 

In 2023 we once again had the benefits of the brilliantly talented Art Consultant, Carey Corbett, who carefully constructed an entire First Nations curation in time for NAIDOC Week celebrations and in line with our Reconciliation Action Plan objectives. We’re thrilled with the result.

As a global patron of the arts, we understand the importance of Artbank’s role in preserving and nourishing the work of Australian creatives while also assisting to fund living artists to do what they do best."

- Mathew Chandler, Vice President Marketing and Communications. Brookfield Property, 2023

We’re Artbank.

We’re a public art collection and a leasing program, run on a simple idea: you don’t have to own art to live with it.

We hold one of the largest collections of contemporary Australian art in the country, more than 11,000 works by thousands of artists. You pick what you love, we deliver and hang it, and you live with it for as long as you like. Want a change?
We’ll swap it.
45 years on, Artbank is still the only program of its kind in Australia.

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