106 Art: Studios and Gallery is an independently-run artist collective in the heart of St Kilda on Boonwurrung Country, consisting of 17 partitioned studios and a shared gallery space. Home to around 26 artists working across a range of disciplines, 106 Art was established in the mid-1990's, by artists for artists. We think it's possible that 106 Art could be the longest-running volunteer-run studio of its kind in Melbourne.
Previously known as Studio 106 and Artist's Studio 106, the name was changed to 106 Art: Studios and Gallery after the long Melbourne lockdowns, when the studio was threatened with eviction in order to make way for the building of more apartments. Thankfully that building permit was not approved and so the managers and committee elected to give the gallery a new image. Branding was designed by Nina Sephapour, who was a resident artist at the time.
We host Art Gallery Markets in the upstairs gallery space on ad-hoc weekend days - to exhibit and selling work by local artists directly to the public. Talk to artists and visit open working studios.
106 Art: Studios and Gallery also produces a showcase exhibition called Emerging Echoes, to present the work of University fine-art graduates, students and emerging artists. Supported by Eckersley's Art and Craft who sponsor the cash Audience-voted prize.
We're also home to the monthly writer's group Bum Glue Club - where writer's of all kinds get together to simply glue their bums to the seat, and write. No wifi. No talking. No distractions. No expectations. All welcome, but bookings are required due to limited space.
The gallery is sometimes available to hire. Costs vary depending on a number of factors, please send an enquiry or expression of interest to hello@106art.com.
The studios themselves don't often come up for rent, when they do we tend to advertise on Creative Spaces. Artists are usually selected by interview.
Created: 11 Sep 2024