Gertrude Contemporary
Melbourne Learn more about what's on at Gertrude Contemporary and the artists shaping its programme.Gertrude Contemporary is a non-profit contemporary art organisation in Preston South, Naarm/Melbourne, with an additional project space, Gertrude Glasshouse, in nearby Collingwood. Established in 1983 as 200 Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, it pioneered Australia’s first combined gallery and studio complex and remains one of the country’s longest-running centres for experimental art.
Today Gertrude Contemporary is recognised as an incubator for ambitious contemporary practice, providing 16 studios for early and mid-career artists on two-year tenures alongside a major exhibition program that privileges new work, commissions, and risk-taking approaches. Designed by Edition Office, the Preston South site consolidates gallery spaces, studios, and offices, enabling close dialogue between art production and presentation within a single venue.
Art and Exhibitions at Gertrude Contemporary
Gertrude Contemporary presents exhibitions that foreground new work and evolving practices, rather than historical surveys or permanent displays. Programs span solo projects, curated thematic exhibitions, experimental series, and off-site or touring projects that extend the organisation’s reach nationally and internationally. Across both Gertrude Contemporary and Gertrude Glasshouse, artists are encouraged to use the galleries as spaces for testing ideas, ambitious installation, and collaborative work, often in close relation to the studio program.
The organisation is particularly known for supporting artists in the first years of their professional careers through subsidised studios, residencies, and structured professional development. Many participants go on to significant national and international recognition, including representation in biennales and major museum exhibitions. Public programs, critical writing, and partnerships with universities and festivals further situate Gertrude Contemporary as a hub for discourse around contemporary art and its social, political, and material contexts.
Gertrude Contemporary FAQs
What is Gertrude Contemporary known for?
Gertrude Contemporary is known as one of Australia’s leading incubators for contemporary art, particularly for early and mid-career artists. Since the 1980s it has pioneered the combined gallery–studio model, supporting experimental, risk-taking practices through subsidised studios, exhibitions, and residencies. Many artists who have participated in Gertrude’s programs have gone on to represent Australia in major international biennales and exhibitions.
What kind of art can I see at Gertrude Contemporary?
Gertrude Contemporary presents contemporary art across all media, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, video, sound, and socially engaged projects. Exhibitions prioritise new work, commissions, and evolving practices rather than historical overviews, often highlighting experimental and research-driven approaches. Visitors can expect a changing program of solo projects, curated group exhibitions, and special series such as Octopus that test ideas and formats.
Where is Gertrude Contemporary located?
Gertrude Contemporary is located at 21–31 High Street, Preston South, on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. Its satellite venue, Gertrude Glasshouse, is at 44 Glasshouse Road in Collingwood, also in Melbourne’s inner north. Together the two sites position Gertrude within vibrant cultural precincts known for galleries, studios, and independent creative spaces.
What are Gertrude Contemporary’s opening hours?
Gertrude Contemporary is usually open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am–5pm, with some current information indicating Tuesday to Sunday 11am–5pm, while Gertrude Glasshouse typically opens Thursday to Saturday, 12–5pm. Both venues may close between exhibitions, on public holidays, and during a summer shutdown from late December. Because schedules can change, visitors should always confirm the latest opening hours on Gertrude’s official website before visiting.
How do I buy tickets for Gertrude Contemporary?
Gertrude Contemporary offers free entry to exhibitions at both its Preston South and Collingwood venues, so visitors generally do not need to purchase tickets. Occasionally, special events such as talks, workshops, or fundraisers may require bookings, which are managed on a case-by-case basis. Details of any ticketed programs, including prices and how to book, are published on Gertrude’s website and event communications.
Does Gertrude Contemporary offer tours, audio guides, or public programmes?
Gertrude Contemporary offers a range of public programs, including artist and curator talks, panel discussions, and events linked to its exhibitions and studio program. These formats provide opportunities for visitors to hear directly from artists, gain insight into studio practices, and engage with current debates in contemporary art. Information about upcoming programs, including any registration requirements, is updated regularly on the Gertrude Contemporary website.
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