The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) presents, collects and engages with the art of now. Located on Sydney Harbour (Warrane) at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, The Museum’s collection of over 4,700 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The MCA engages audiences with contemporary art and ideas through the presentation of a diverse program of exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs. The Balnaves Foundation has been supporting the MCA since 2006 across a range of programs designed to introduce young audiences to contemporary art.
In honour of our Founder, Neil Balnaves AO, the Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission series at MCA Australia will present a large-scale sculptural work from a leading Australian or international contemporary artist on Tallawoladah Lawn, located outside of MCA Australia, on the foreshores of Warrane/ Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay, each year spring through to autumn from 2025-2028.
Neil had a great love of sculpture, he was an early supporter of Sculpture by the Sea Bondi and gifted many sculptures from his personal collection to various educational institutions around Australia, helping to bring new works to new audiences. This series brings exciting, thought provoking works to local and global audiences.
“Neil strongly believed in the power of art to enrich lives,” said Hamish Balnaves, CEO of The Balnaves Foundation. “He was particularly passionate about bold public sculpture and its ability to challenge perspectives and ignite conversation. The Foundation continues his legacy by supporting the arts and ensuring access for all.”
On Thursday 25 September 2025, The Balnaves Foundation, in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art, unveiled the inaugural Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission series artwork Ancient Feelings (2025), a major new public artwork by acclaimed British artist Thomas J Price.
“Ancient Feelings” 2025 on Tallawoladah Lawn on Warrane/ Sydney Harbour
Standing over 3 metres tall and adorned in gold, Ancient Feelings is a commanding presence. It celebrates female black power and challenges the predominantly colonial history of public monuments, both here in Australia and around the world. Price’s work invites reflection on identity, visibility, and shared humanity.
Price uses the traditional material of bronze in his sculptures to challenge the structures of power and representation embedded in classical sculpture. His work deliberately engages with the symbolic weight of bronze, a material historically associated with permanence, authority, and commemoration.
“Ancient Feelings raises questions about who gets to be seen and who gets to be valued,” said Thomas J Price. “This glowing bronze sculpture can help illuminate the real issues that still exist around a lack of willingness to acknowledge history, a resistance to accepting people’s accounts of themselves and their lives, and the realness of our shared humanity.”
Artist Thomas J Price with his sculpture “Ancient Feelings” on Tallawoladah Lawn at the MCA
Ancient Feelings will be displayed for free and publicly accessible from 25 September 2025 until 26 April 2026.
Throughout the Commission period there will be a series of talks, guided tours and activities at the MCA.
“Together the MCA Australia and The Balnaves Foundation are expanding access to the best international contemporary art for millions of people. This Commission is a fitting tribute to Neil’s vision and passion for bold, thought-provoking art that is accessible to everyone.” – Suzanne Cotter, Director of the MCA
To find out about upcoming activities Click Here
More information on the Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission Click Here
More information on Ancient Feelings by Thomas J Price Click Here