The NPGA houses the national collection of portraits of Australians, reflecting the breadth and energy of Australian culture and endeavour. Subjects in the collection are individuals who have, and who will continue to, shape our nation and define our collective persona. As part of a group of national collecting institutions, the NPGA is unique in its exclusive use of portraiture to explore Australian culture, history, individual achievement and identity. The NPGA provides a forum for the free and respectful discussion of the national identity. We focus on both subject and artist