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Melbourne: the place to be
By Francesca Valmorbida
Almost 25 years after Artbank was founded, it has opened a new showroom in Melbourne , bringing the Australian Government's art rental scheme and its art collection to a whole new audience.
‘Artbank is going from strength to strength and the opening of the Melbourne showroom is testimony to the keen interest in Australian contemporary art,' the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp said, opening the new showroom in February this year.
‘Australia has daring, fearless and bold visual artists and more than 3000 of them are represented in the extensive Artbank collection, which now numbers more than 9000 works of art and craft,' the Minister said.
The Victorian arts community has welcomed the new showroom with much enthusiasm, recognising Artbank's important role in buying works by emerging Australian artists and craftspeople.
Among industry notables attending the launch of the showroom was former Artbank director (1991–95) Lesley Alway, who is now director of Melbourne's Heide Park and Art Gallery.
‘It is particularly exciting that many works are to be exhibited in the new showroom, providing Melbourne with the opportunity to take advantage of this unique service,' Alway said.
Artbank's chair, Professor Ted Snell, officiated at the event and told the audience ‘The move south will expand and develop the Artbank market, providing all southerners, including Tasmanians and South Australians, with more direct access to the collection.'
The new showroom is located in one of Melbourne's many art hubs at 845 High Street Armadale. The space was designed by Mat Foley of Lab Architecture Studio, designers of Melbourne's Federation Square.
The street frontage gives Artbank a highly visible public presence, and the purpose-built space enhances the collection, enabling clients to make a personal connection with the artworks they are selecting.
To complement the new showroom and assist clients with their selections, a team of dedicated Artbank professionals will operate from the Melbourne showroom.
‘Artbank is delighted to welcome the Melbourne team. They will be invaluable to the promotion of the collection and the expansion of the organisation,' said Artbank director Antonia Syme.
This year Artbank will officially celebrate its 25th anniversary. A series of exciting initiatives are planned to share the success of the organisation with the public it serves. Exhibitions, membership programs and open days are just some of the activities that will be on offer.
Visit www.artbank.gov.au for more information.