Melbourne’s Gallery 101 will close in March as its Collins Street home undergoes a 12-month refurbishment that doesn’t make art a priority.
Gallery 101 has been unique in corporate building, with Dianna Gold directing and curating the space on behalf of 101 Collins Street since 1992. For nearly 20 years, the owners and management have supported the gallery, which has provided a forum for emerging and established artists.
However, the Denton Corker Marshall-designed building is undergoing major rejuvenation work, which means that Gallery 101 will have to look for new spaces for its artists.
Gallery101 has been given just four weeks notice before they will have to vacate the premises so that ground-floor “improvements” can get underway.
101 Collins Street said that the main objectives of the improvements are to enhance the appearance of the Collins Street and Flinders Lane entries, improve the overall appearance of the lobby, and enhance the foyer reception, while improving the building’s energy efficiency.
The changes are being overseen by Bates Smart and directed by chairman Roger Poole, who said: “Bates Smart is very pleased to continue working with 101 Management to continually refine, enhance and maintain one of Australia’s finest workplace environments. Our intention with the new lobby is to build upon the strengths of the existing design and upgrade certain elements using the latest technology.”
Arup Lighting has been engaged to design a new lighting installation for the lobby.
