National Collection Exhibition Officially Opens in Temora
Published on 26 August 2026
Temora Arts Centre has officially welcomed nationally significant Aboriginal ceramic artworks to the region, with the opening of At Home in Clay: Stories of Country, Community and Culture on Friday 14 August.
Presented through the National Gallery of Australia's Sharing the National Collection initiative, the exhibition features work by the renowned Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of Western Arrarnta artists from Ntaria (Hermannsburg) in Central Australia whose vibrant ceramic vessels share stories of Country, culture, music, family and community.
An intimate crowd attended the opening, including National Gallery of Australia Assistant Director, Collection Management & Art Services, Dr Renée Joyce, who travelled to Temora for the occasion.
The event commenced with a moving Acknowledgement to Country delivered by Temora Public School student Addy Kayton.
Drawing on stories from the book Growing Up Wiradjuri, Addy spoke about the importance of culture, belonging and storytelling, reminding guests that "stories connect us, stories teach us, and when we learn from each other, we do not become more different, we become more connected."
Temora Shire Mayor Cr Rick Firman OAM said the exhibition was a significant cultural opportunity for the local community.
"We have the privilege of welcoming nationally significant artworks from the National Gallery of Australia to our Shire community," Cr Firman said.
"Opportunities like this are not something regional communities can take for granted. They allow residents and visitors to experience important cultural works close to home and remind us that great art belongs to everyone, regardless of where they live."
Cr Firman acknowledged the Australian Government, Minister for the Arts The Hon. Tony Burke MP and the National Gallery of Australia for supporting the Sharing the National Collection initiative, which brings significant works from the national collection beyond Canberra and into regional communities.
The Mayor also reflected on the exhibition's strong connection to Temora's growing ceramics community.
"Over recent years we have seen a thriving ceramics community emerge through Temora Arts Centre. Our pottery and ceramics programs continue to attract people of all ages, and this exhibition feels particularly at home here in Temora," he said.
The exhibition includes works by highly regarded artists Judith Pungarta Inkamala, Anita Mbitjana Ratara, Verena Morris-Davis, Dawn Ngala Wheeler, Irene Mbitjana Entata, Samantha Cook and Gwen Abbott, whose works preserve and share cultural knowledge through clay.
Dr Joyce said the exhibition demonstrates the value of ensuring Australia's national collection is accessible to communities across the country.
"The National Gallery's collection belongs to all Australians, and partnerships like this ensure those stories can be experienced across the country," Dr Joyce said.
"We want people to see themselves reflected in the national collection and to feel a connection to it, whether they live in Canberra, Temora or anywhere else in Australia."
Following the event, Dr Joyce thanked Temora Shire Council, the Temora Arts Centre Advisory Committee, staff and volunteers for their hospitality, describing the visit as a pleasure and expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with the community.
Mayor Firman also acknowledged the many people who helped bring the exhibition to Temora, including the National Gallery team, the Temora Arts Centre Advisory Committee, Council staff and former Arts Centre Manager Jeremy Kruckle, who initiated the partnership more than two years ago.
At Home in Clay: Stories of Country, Community and Culture will remain on display at Temora Arts Centre as part of the National Gallery of Australia's Sharing the National Collection program, providing local residents and visitors with access to nationally significant artworks that would otherwise typically be seen only in major institutions.
The exhibition is open to the public (free entry) at Temora Arts Centre, 119 Aurora Street, Temora during the following hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9.30am to 1.00pm
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Visitors are encouraged to spend time with these remarkable works and explore the stories of Country, community and culture shared through the vibrant ceramic practice of the Hermannsburg Potters.
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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires
Manager Cultural and Visitor Services – Lauren Carr
E: lcarr@temora.nsw.gov.au
P:6977 5921