Tactile Experiences
Penny Evans (K/Gamilaroi people), Burnt banksia, 2020, In-situation view at Telopea Park School, 2023, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri / Canberra, purchased 2021 with support from the Neilson Foundation for the National Gallery of Australia Art Cases © Penny Evans.
Athena Costopoulos' relief carving and paper clay sculptures in front of her exhibition work. Photograph: Sonia Warrell.
Natalie Ward's material sample of quartz vein with limonite-stained alteration, collected from the surface at Liontown. Photograph: Natalie Ward.
Group Bookings
This program offers a select number of free, guided tactile art experiences for local school and community groups. Umbrella invites booking enquiries from groups of 3-30 people to undertake tactile experiences within the gallery space between Monday 3 August - Sunday 23 August 2026. Attendees will be invited to handle artworks from the National Gallery of Australia's Country Art Case, and test samples and art objects from Athena Costopoulos’ and Natalie Ward’s exhibitions Nature Shrines and Ore to Earth respectively.
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. This 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 First Nation works showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists’ perspectives, ideas and stories about land and Country. The program is accompanied by a printed learning resource which has been designed to support object-based learning, encouraging participants to actively explore works of art by looking, handling and making. Digital learning resources from the National Gallery of Australia are also available to access below on this page.
Bookings are required to ensure Umbrella has adequate staff available to supervise, assist and photograph when possible. Due to staff constraints all booking enquiries must be made at least two business days / weekdays prior to each requested Tactile Experience date, and photography consent forms returned by the start of each session. Umbrella recommends enquiring ASAP as bookings will be coordinated in the order they are received through the online form on this page.
Tactile Experiences with artists present:
Prior to 1:30pm on Monday 3 August, up to two groups will have the opportunity to book for special sessions with Athena Costopoulos and Natalie Ward in attendance, similar to the public Umbrella Floortalks + Tactile Experiences program for individuals, but with the main focus on the tactile engagement for groups. Athena and Natalie can still speak about their work and objects briefly.
Participants in all sessions must:
- Have clean hands, with personal jewellery removed to prevent scratching
- Handle artworks and objects carefully with two hands
- Not bring artworks or objects into contact with other materials such as ink, markers, pens, paint and solvents
- Ideally be seated when handling the objects
- Notify staff in advance with any accessibility requirements or requests
All exhibitions will open / launch from 6pm Friday 31 July 2026 (bookings not required). The Country Art Case is on display 31 July - 23 August 2026 while Natalie Ward's Ore to Earth and Athena Costopoulos' Nature Shrines are on display from 31 July - 6 September 2026. The public Umbrella Floortalks + Tactile Experiences program enables individuals to participate from 10am Sunday 2 August 2026.
Installation view, ‘Country’ Art Case (copper), 2023, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri / Canberra © the artists.
Group Booking Enquiry
Learning Resources & Forms
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 and present. 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. | Vetta Creative is Umbrella's fortieth anniversary creative partner.
