Artbank is an art rental program established in 1980 by the Australian Government to support visual artists and craftspeople across the country by acquiring their work and renting to both public and private sector clients across Australia and overseas.

Artbank focuses its support on emerging local young artists to encourage the creation of more outstanding works of contemporary visual arts.  By buying the artworks and making them available for rental in public places, the Australian government inspires a wider appreciation of arts in its people.  Proceeds from rentals are used to acquire more artworks by Australian artists.

As of today, Artbank has over 10,000 works of art in its collection, valued at more than AUS$20 million.  The collection includes the works of more than 3,000 Australian artists and craftspeople in a diverse range of media and styles including paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, ceramics and glass crafts.  Works from many notable indigenous artists are also represented.
 
Artists also yearn to have their creations included in the Artbank collection, which is considered far more prestigious than winning a prize because it signifies official recognition and will bring more public attention.  When an artist's work is marked "Collected by Artbank”, the price of his works will go up and will attract more purchasers as a result.

With over 10,000 contemporary artworks for rental, Artbank offers flexibility and cost-benefits enabling more Australians to see and appreciate Australian contemporary artworks while affordably enhancing their offices and homes.  Artbank now has over 450 clients from both the private and public sectors including many overseas posts.  Art rental can be seen everywhere in Australia including Coca Cola, banks, the Sydney Opera House, and restaurants.  In recent years, the number of Australian families coming to Artbank for art rentals to enliven their homes has been increasing continuously.

Artbank has become one of the successful models of the Australian government ' effort in promoting Australian culture and arts.

Source：
http://www.arts.gov.au/
http://www.artc.net.cn/news/shownews.asp?id=436&newspage=1
http://www.artbank.net.cn/market_show.asp?id=10