16 Sep 2013
Work by artists from the Northern Territory will feature in the most significant survey of Australian art ever mounted in the UK, set to take place at the Royal Academy in September. Showcasing the influence of the country's diverse landscape, Australia will span more than 200 years and will feature over 200 works, the majority of which have never been seen in the UK before.
The exhibition, which runs from 21 September to 8 December 2013, will bring together works from the most important public collections in Australia, including paintings by Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira, whose art is more often found hanging in galleries in Alice Springs. The works on display will reflect the deep connection between Australian art and the country's rich and varied landscape, conveying the vastness of the land and the diversity of its people. Early, as well as contemporary Aboriginal art will sit alongside the work of the first colonial settlers, immigrant artists of the twentieth century and the work of some of today's most established Australian artists.
The Northern Territory is home to a staggering number of galleries, many to be found dotted around the outback town of Alice. With creative and storytelling traditions dating back 40,000 years, the depth and diversity of Aboriginal art is a vivid reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage. The Aboriginal art scene is a great way for visitors to explore and gain an understanding of the local culture, from the ancient rock art in Kakadu National Park and the traditional bark paintings of Arnhem Land to today's thriving art hub of Alice Springs.
Admission to the exhibition costs £14 per full price adult, children under 12 go free. Tickets are available daily at the RA or visit www.royalacademy.org.uk. Groups of 10+ are asked to book in advance. Telephone 020 7300 8027 or email groupbookings@royalacademy.org.uk
Anyone inspired to head to the Northern Territory on a more detailed art odyssey can visit with Austravel (0800 988 4834, www.austravel.com). The leading Australasia specialist has a 10 day trip around the Red Centre and Top End from £2,295 per person. The price includes return international flights from London Heathrow with Qantas, two nights at the Heavitree Gap Lodge in Alice Springs, a three day Central Rock and Canyon Camping tour, three nights in the Travelodge, Darwin, followed by a three day Kakadu and Litchfield National Park Tour. Price based on a departure date 1 March 2014, booked by 30 September 2014.
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For more information about the Northern Territory visit www.australiasoutback.co.uk.
For more information, images or to discuss media trip opportunities contact Lara Huberman and Suzanne Holiday on +44 207 839 2140 or tourismntmedia@keenecomms.com.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Australia's Northern Territory is a leading nature and culture destination where Australia's Outback meets the tropics and is home to Australia's most dramatic, beautiful and varied scenery including the awe-inspiring red centre icons of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well as the Top End adventure and wildlife destinations of Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park.
2. Darwin International Airport is an international gateway to Australia offering connections to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar.
3. The peak visitor time is during the dry season, from May to September, but the Tropical Summer from October to April brings spectacular lightning shows and lush growth.
4. www.australiasoutback.co.uk is an essential resource for travellers planning a trip to the Northern Territory.
5. Follow the NT on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustraliasOutbackNorthernTerritoryUK, Twitter @AusOutbackNT_UK and Google + https://plus.google.com/u/0/117873946318705723372/ posts or watch the latest videos on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/Australiasoutback
6. Download the iOutback app from iTunes or on Android.