After thirty years operating out of a warehouse in Rosebery, Artbank is undertaking a momentous move to a new home in Waterloo. Adjacent to the Danks Street Gallery Precinct, the new facility will transform the street’s only remaining heritage façade into a state-of-the-art collection store, office space and significant public gallery.
This move continues with the redirecting of Artbank’s operations to better meet organisational objectives; namely supporting and promoting the value of contemporary art. It will also allow the organisation to more effectively engage clients, artists and the broader public through the range of programs and initiatives the new space will allow.
Artbank Director Tony Stephens says: “Artbank has been the quiet achiever of the Australian art world – but that is all changing. As the only self-supporting contemporary art initiative we are in a unique position to not only connect audiences through our leasing program, but to also reimagine how a collection held on behalf of the Australian public can be an inclusive part of mainstream society – a truly democratic collection”.
In addition to housing some 3,500 artworks, the new facility will be activated through a diverse range of programs. This will include an annual exhibition program delivered through Artbank’s new public gallery – constructed as part of the redevelopment.
“This is an exciting and logical evolution for Artbank. These exhibitions will provide essential opportunities for the collection to be activated and open to our clients and the public alike. But in true Artbank style, these shows are being conceptualised in a way which will be something a little different”, says Stephens.
The redevelopment is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2014.
Opening celebrations are planned for July 2014.
Artbank
Sydney
Image courtesy of State Library of New South Wales collection
