We are thrilled to announce that John Prince Siddon’s incredible work ‘Numbat Night’ was illuminated and animated onto the facade of Parliament House for National Reconciliation Week 27 to 29 May 2026. An incredible achievement and milestone in his career, we are so excited to share this with you.
The projection was unveiled at a lighting ceremony and special opening including speakers Jaala Hinchcliffe, Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services, MC, Senator the Hon Sue Lines, President of the Senate , The Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Aunty Violet Sheridan, Ngunnawal Elder. Prince also was a special guest in Parliament!
Prince was in attendance, and gave an opening speech expressing his excitement and gratitude at seeing his work animated on the iconic facade. Numbats came to life, weaving in and out of the building with Prince’s signature colour palette and iconography coming to life.
We are proud to share too that this painting is now part of their collection with Australian Parliament House Art Collections. This collection comprises works of contemporary Australian art and craft that reflects aspects of Australian culture, character and identity. The Rotational Collection is on display in general circulation areas at Parliament House, in the parliamentarians’ suites, and public exhibitions.
‘Numbats are quiet animal. I never seen one, but I did it for their good colour. They feed on termite and ants. They same like my cat, they quiet. They come out at night where they like eating at night. Search for them in the morning but can't find it. They shy. Next time I use a torch at night to see’ – John Prince Siddon, Artist’s statement.
If you missed seeing Prince at Parliament House, we’re excited to share that the projection will be on display again for NAIDOC week, lighting up the Canberra skies on July 5, 6 and 7. Don’t miss it!
