NGV Announces 2026 Triennial Exhibition with $17 Million in Private Funding
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has detailed plans for its fourth Triennial exhibition, set to open in December 2026. The gallery has secured substantial private donations to fund new artworks, as government funding does not cover acquisitions.
Funding Secured from Private Donors
On Wednesday, April 16, 2026, the NGV announced the details for its upcoming Triennial at its St Kilda Road gallery. NGV Director Tony Ellwood stated the exhibition has attracted $17 million in private donations from donors and benefactors.
Government funding does not cover art acquisitions, requiring the gallery to seek private support for such projects.
The $17 million will be used specifically to commission and purchase major new artworks for the event.
Planned Exhibits and Artworks
The 2026 Triennial will feature a range of contemporary pieces. Announced exhibits include:
- A ceramic urinal that bubbles rose-scented water.
- A kinetic sculpture titled "WTF" featuring a swinging LED sign. Sources indicate the sign will display tweets from former US President Donald Trump during his first term, and may also show posts from a conspiracy theorist.
- Helium-filled inflatable penguins by Danish artist Benedikte Bjerre. The artist states the work addresses the impact of climate change on penguins.
Building a Legacy for NGV Contemporary
The NGV launched its first Triennial in 2017 to elevate contemporary art at the gallery. A key legacy of the exhibition is acquiring works for the future NGV Contemporary, a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design currently under construction.
Due to the collecting efforts of the Triennial and other initiatives, the new NGV Contemporary building will house "one of the best contemporary art collections in the world," said Director Tony Ellwood.
Acknowledged Supporters
The NGV acknowledged the private supporters of the 2026 Triennial, including:
- Lisa Fox
- Alana Kirby (representing the Sun Foundation)
- Connie and Craig Kimberley
- Tania Austin's Decjuba Foundation
- Fox Family Foundation
- Krystyna Campbell-Pretty
- Property developer Michael Gannon
- Carol and Alan Schwartz's Trawalla Foundation
- Loti and Victor Smorgon Fund
- Bowness Family Foundation