Country Art Case
31 July - 23 August 2026
Country Art Case
National Gallery of Australia | Penny Evans, Carol McGregor, Jimmy John Thaiday, Aubrey Tigan, James Tylor and Lena Yarinkura
Installation view, ‘Country’ Art Case (copper), 2023, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri / Canberra © the artists.
The Country Art Case is one of the National Gallery of Australia’s touring cases, an all-in-one suitcase housing small works by artists of national significance. The Art Cases travel to diverse locations, including schools, libraries and galleries, where the works are discovered by adults and children of all ages to inspire creativity, inclusivity and learning.
The Country Art Case features works by Penny Evans (K/Gamilaroi people), Carol McGregor (Wathaurung people), Jimmy John Thaiday (Erub Mer people), Aubrey Tigan (Bardi/Djawi peoples), James Tylor (Kaurna people) and Lena Yarinkura (Rembarrnga/Kune peoples). It brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists’ perspectives, ideas and stories about land and Country. Many of the works are made from natural materials, sometimes sourced via Cultural collection. Knowing how material is collected from the environment can give an insight into the relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the natural surroundings. This case also looks at shared histories of First Nations and non-First Nations peoples since colonisation, and the adaptive nature of First Nations peoples when looking after and utilising their land and Country. First Nations ideas and philosophies provide a holistic view of land and Country, connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through place, spirit, culture, practice and ceremony.
Umbrella’s display of the Country Art Case will include an ongoing exhibition of the works from the launch Friday 31 July through to Sunday 23 August 2026. The works will also be activated further in tactile art experiences as public programs for individual participants and private bookings for school or community groups (bookings essential).
Exhibitions launch
6pm Friday 31 July 2026
Speeches from approx. 6:30pm
Free entry | Bookings not required
Public programs
Tactile art experiences
Full dates and details coming soon | Bookings essential
Please contact us to make a group booking or to express interest in the public programs.
The National Gallery’s Art Cases are generously supported by the Neilson Foundation with grateful acknowledgement of founding patrons Elaine and Jim Wolfensohn.
Open Hours
Tues - Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat - Sun: 9am-1pm
Gallery closed Mondays, public holidays and during exhibition install weeks.
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Contact
408 Flinders Street,
Gurambilbarra / Townsville,
Qld, 4810 Australia
PO Box 2394,
Gurambilbarra / Townsville,
Qld, 4810 Australia
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Acknowledgement of Country
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts respectfully acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun and the surrounding groups of our region - Bindal, Gugu Badhun, Nywaigi, Warrgamay, Bandjin and Gudjal - as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, share and celebrate local creative practice. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first people of Australia. They have never ceded sovereignty and remain strong in their enduring connection to land and Culture.
Umbrella is a Member & Signatory of the Indigenous Art Code. This means we are committed to fair and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and transparency in the promotion and sale of artwork. As a Dealer Member and signatory to the Code we must act fairly, honestly, professionally and in good conscience in all direct or indirect dealings with artists.
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Acknowledgements
Umbrella is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Education, and the Visual Art, Craft and Design Framework, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments. | Umbrella is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding from Creative Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund. | Townsville City Council is a funding partner of Umbrella's program.
