The Wilkins Collection: A Survey

20 March to 24 April 2016

This survey exhibition of selected pieces from The Wilkins Collection focuses on landscape and figurative works. The works, acquired during the past 20 years from former Higher School Certificate Visual Arts Examination submissions, presents a unique range of vibrant and inspiring artworks by young artists from across NSW.

The Wilkins Collection (named in honour of Mr. William Wilkins (1827–1892), the first Under-Secretary of the Department of Public Instruction in New South Wales) was established in 1974 and has over 900 artworks after 40 years of collecting.

This prestigious collection is managed by The Arts Unit, NSW Department of Education, and each year, the collection continues to grow through the acquisition purchase of 10 new bodies of work. Acquisition works are selected from student submissions in the annual ARTEXPRESS Exhibition Program, showcased throughout NSW Metropolitan and Regional Galleries. The ARTEXPRESS Program is a partnership between the NSW Department of Education and the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards showcasing exemplar works from the NSW Higher School Certificate Visual Arts Practical Examination.

_{Image: Laura Rose Morris, The Ponds, 2013, painting, 80 x 129 cm.}