The Territory will be on show at a special international exhibition in Shenzhen China showcasing the work of Australia’s great bark painters.

The Old Masters: Australia’s Great Bark Artists exhibition includes Aboriginal artists from Arnhem Land who carried one of the oldest continuing visual arts traditions into the modern era.

The Territory Labor Government is investing $106 million to build a nationally significant Arts Trail throughout the Territory, to support and grow our arts and cultural industry, and provide new and enhanced attractions for national and international visitors. The Territory’s rich art and culture is a major drawcard for national and international tourists, and a key economic driver.

The National Museum of Australia is delivering the exhibition with support from Austrade. The exhibition has been travelling through China since July last year, when it opened at the National Museum of China in Beijing.

The exhibition is part of a cultural exchange between Australia and China facilitated by the National Museum of Australia, where iconic works of art are shared. An exhibition of traditional Chinese paintings will also travel to Australia in 2019.

The Old Masters: Australia’s Great Bark Artists exhibition will feature works from John Mawurndjul AM, Maningrida Arts & Culture.

Mawurndjul's work has also featured in New York and Chicago as part of the exhibition Dreamings: The Art of Aboriginal Australia, as well as exhibitions in Japan, Germany, London and Denmark. He is also a previous Telstra Indigenous Art Award winner.

Exhibition dates:

• Shenzen Museum 13 April to 2 June 2019

• Sichuan Museum, 22 June to 26 August 2019

• National Taiwan Museum, 4 October 2019 to 9 February 2020

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss:

“The Territory’s rich art and culture is a major drawcard for national and international tourists, and a key economic driver.

“Our latest tourism campaign is all about promoting the Northern Territory as ‘The world’s biggest art gallery’.

“Greater China continues to be an important source market for the Territory with the latest Tourism Research Australia figures indicating that more than 27,000 visitors came to the Territory during 2018. These numbers are showing direct flights from Shenzhen are having a positive impact.

“The new Arnhem Land bark exhibition will further promote the Northern Territory as a holiday destination for Chinese travellers.”

Quotes from National Museum of Australia Director Dr Mathew Trinca

“This delicate and beautiful collection of Arnhem Land bark paintings is one of Australia’s great cultural treasures and the National Museum of Australia is delighted to share them with Chinese audiences.”

Media contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242