A new window gallery opened in Geelong this week

Words from Staff Writer

The brand new Yarra Street Window Gallery offers 24-hour art viewing, bringing art into everyday life.

This week, the City of Greater Geelong’s arts and culture department unveiled the new Yarra Street Window Gallery, bringing the gallery exhibition viewing experience to the sidewalk.

Located on the exterior of the Market Square building between Malop Street and Little Malop Street, the window gallery has been created in collaboration with the building’s management, Knight Frank, to attract viewers in a busy environment who would not normally visit traditional galleries .

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.

The first round of installations features works by local artists and creatives including Lucy Allinson, Pattie Beerens, Cecilia Cabalquinto, Nathan T Dunn, Rhian Hinkley, Dr. Tonya Meyrick, Tracey Pocock, Emily Rastas, Matt Robertson, Samantha Taylor, Anne Scott Wilson and Elizabeth Van Herwaareden.

In a similar fashion to Melbourne’s famous Myer Street windows during the Christmas period, the Yarra Street Window Gallery offers viewers the opportunity to get up close to the pieces and view the intricate designs and artistry at any time of the day or night. It is another enlightened example of the city’s celebrated arts scene and commitment to innovative design, earning Geelong the title of UNESCO City of Design.

Councilor Melissa Cadwell, chair of the Creativity and Culture portfolio, said: “The Yarra Street Window Gallery initiative contributes to the city’s arts and culture strategy by providing access, promoting community engagement and promoting local creativity and promote identity. Our 24-hour window gallery is one of the ways Council makes art accessible to everyone, including people with different schedules and lifestyles. The space promotes local talent and creativity and encourages visitors to stay in the city longer and support small businesses in the area.”

The displays operate in line with a traditional gallery and are updated, presenting new works throughout the year. The City of Greater Geelong will be taking expressions of interest for the next round of Yarra Street Window Gallery artists, with applications now open. Entries close on Wednesday, July 17 for all forms of visual art and design, including First Nations art, painting, sculpture, film, animation, photography, fashion, lighting, design, furniture design and ceramics.

It is free to exhibit and selected artists receive a $500 compensation to display their work. Collectives and curators can apply for consecutive windows.

More details about the application can be found here and the displays can be seen on Yarra Street, between Malop and Little Malop Street.