Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, has announced two new exhibitions exclusive to Sydney.

Covering more than 200 years of American art, history and experience, 80 works will feature at the Art Gallery of NSW, while the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) will present the first major Australian exhibition by the artist and activist Yoko Ono. 

“The Sydney International Art Series, supported by the NSW Government, brings the world’s most outstanding exhibitions to our State, and this year– the series’ fourth iteration– is no exception ” Mr Souris said.

“Sydney will be the only city in Australia to host the exhibitions America: painting a nation and War Is Over! (if you want it):Yoko Ono.

“This is a very rare opportunity to see the most expansive survey of American paintings ever exhibited in Australia featuring celebrated American artists Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, James McNeil Whistler, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent.

“Yoko Ono is one of the world’s most legendary and intriguing personalities and the exhibition spans five decades of her career, including her time with husband John Lennon.

“We are expecting visitors from around Australia and from across the Asia Pacific region to travel to NSW to see these exhibitions, which are exclusive to Sydney.”

Art Gallery of NSW Director, Dr Michael Brand, said he was pleased to give audiences in Sydney greater access to American art and culture.

“This exhibition will both open a window on the grand narrative of American painting and hold up a mirror against which we can further explore our own art history,” Dr Brand said.

MCA Acting Director, Michael Snelling,said: “We are thrilled that Yoko Ono accepted our invitation to create a major survey for the MCA. The presentation spans five decades of practice from the 1960's onwards and offers Sydney audiences a rare opportunity to discover just how important and acclaimed an artist she is.”

Since the Sydney International Art Seriesbegan, more than $80 million in new money has been generated for the State and attracted over 1 million attendees, with nearly 100,000 interstate and overseas visitors coming specifically to Sydney to see the exhibitions.

America: painting a nation opens at the Art Gallery of NSW on 8 November 2013 and War Is Over! (if you want it): Yoko Ono opens at the MCA on 15 November 2013.

Tickets to the Sydney International Art Series 2013-2014 are now on sale. A special Sydney International Art Pass is also available and will provide discounted entry to both exhibitions.

To purchase Art Pass tickets please visit the Art Gallery of NSW and MCA websites www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au or www.mca.com.au.