South Bank Brisbane’s Art Scene: Galleries and Exhibitions You Shouldn't Miss
Image Source: Must Do Brisbane
In South Brisbane, creativity and innovation are the city’s lifeblood. In its many forms, art inspires fresh ideas, fosters a sense of community, and provides a platform for expression. For start-ups, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes, immersing oneself in the local art scene can spark new perspectives and open doors to collaborations.
This article will take you on a journey through South Bank’s thriving art scene, highlighting must-visit galleries, exhibitions, and public art installations. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a curious entrepreneur looking for your next inspiration, South Bank’s art scene has something to offer you. So, let’s dive in and explore the artistic heartbeat of South Brisbane.
Brisbane Art Galleries & Public Art in Brisbane
South Bank and Brisbane are home to a dynamic art scene that caters to a wide range of artistic tastes. From prestigious art galleries to intriguing public art installations, the city is a canvas of creativity and innovation.
Birrunga Gallery
Location: 300 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Best for: tour groups, families
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Image Source: Brisbanistas
For aficionados of Indigenous art, the Birrunga Gallery houses a rich collection of works from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Institute of Modern Art
Location: Ground Floor Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, 420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Located in Fortitude Valley, the Institute of Modern Art is renowned for its cutting-edge exhibitions and is one of Australia’s oldest venues for contemporary art.
Jan Murphy Gallery and Onespace Gallery
Location: 486 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
These galleries are must-visits for contemporary Australian art enthusiasts, featuring a mix of established and emerging artists.
Metro Arts
Location: 97 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
Situated in the heart of Brisbane, Metro Arts is a multidisciplinary arts centre that nurtures local artists and presents diverse exhibitions and performances.
QAGOMA
Location: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
One of the crown jewels of South Bank’s art scene is the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Located in the heart of Brisbane, QAGOMA holds a significant place in the city’s cultural fabric, offering a diverse range of exhibitions that span historical and contemporary art forms.
QAGOMA is not just an art gallery; it’s a vibrant cultural destination that invites visitors to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of visual art, film, and community-led projects. The gallery’s expansive collection includes over 17,000 works of art, encompassing Australian and Indigenous art, Asian and Pacific art, and modern and contemporary gallery of art worldwide.
Museum of Brisbane
Location: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.4 / 5
Image Source: Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane is a cornerstone of South Bank’s art scene. Located in the iconic City Hall, the museum is a testament to Brisbane’s vibrant social history and contemporary culture. It’s not just a museum; it’s a space that tells the ever-evolving story of Brisbane and its people through diverse exhibitions, installations, and events.
Irish Lane – Outdoor Gallery
Location: Irish Lane, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Best for: tour group, families
Google Rating: Not available
This innovative initiative turns Brisbane’s lanes and city streets into imaginative art spaces, showcasing works from local and international artists.
Brisbane Street Art Festival
Location: Varies
Best for: tour groups, families, couples
Google Rating: Not available
Image Source: #BNEART
This festival celebrates street art, bringing together artists from across the globe to create large-scale public murals and installations. It’s a feast for the eyes and a testament to the power of community engagement and artistic expression.
There is no scheduled event for the next festival. Watch out for Brisbane Street Art Festival announcements.
Brisbane’s art scene, with its diverse galleries and public art, offers endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration. Each visit provides a fresh perspective, a chance to see the world through the eyes of talented artists, and a wellspring of creative ideas for entrepreneurs and innovators.
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Best Places To Buy Art In Brisbane
For those looking to take a perfect piece of Brisbane’s vibrant art scene home, the city offers many of the finest galleries and studios to purchase unique and captivating artworks. Here are some of the best places to buy art in South Bank and Brisbane:
Artisan
Location: 170 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Best for: art shoppers, groups, families
Google Rating: 5.0 / 5
Artisan is a not-for-profit organisation supporting and promoting contemporary craft and design. Here, you can find a variety of authentic, hand-made pieces from local artists, ranging from ceramics and textiles to jewellery and furniture.
Mitchell Fine Art Gallery
Location: 86 Arthur St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Best for: art shoppers, group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.9 / 5
Image Source: Mitchell Fine Art Gallery
Mitchell Fine Art Gallery is a professional gallery space showcasing Australia’s leading contemporary artists. The gallery offers diverse art, including abstract, landscape, figurative, and Indigenous artworks.
Jan Manton Gallery
Location: 54 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe QLD 4005, Australia
Best for: art shoppers, group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.9 / 5
Jan Manton Gallery is dedicated to promoting contemporary Australian artists. The gallery offers diverse artworks, making it a great place to discover new and talented artists and buy unique pieces.
Birrunga Gallery
Location: 300 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Specialising in Indigenous art, Birrunga Gallery offers a rich collection of original artworks from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Purchasing from here supports talented artists and contributes to preserving Indigenous culture and heritage.
Onespace Gallery
Location: 4/349 Montague Rd, West End QLD 4101, Australia
Best for: art shoppers, group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Image Source: Onespace Gallery
Onespace Gallery supports a wide range of artists, designers, and curators. They offer a diverse collection of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and digital art.
Twfineart
Location: Unit 3/22 Masters St, Newstead QLD 4006, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.2 / 5
Twfineart is a gallery focusing on contemporary art from established and emerging talented artists. They offer a range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and limited edition prints.
Fineprintco
Location: Tenancy G14/65 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Best for: art shoppers, groups, families
Google Rating: Not available
Fineprintco is a contemporary print house offering a curated collection of fine art prints from established and emerging talented local and international artists. Their collection is diverse, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Each gallery offers unique pieces and supports local artists, making them ideal places to buy a piece of art in Brisbane. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, these galleries offer a wide range of options to suit your taste and budget.
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Performing & Visual Arts Events in Brisbane
Brisbane’s performing and visual arts scene combines creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. The city hosts various events throughout the year, offering a platform for artists to showcase their talent and for audiences to engage with diverse forms of artistic expression.
One of the highlights of Brisbane’s arts calendar is the Brisbane Street Art Festival. This annual event transforms the city’s streets into a vibrant canvas of creativity, featuring local and international artists. The festival includes live mural painting, workshops, music performances, and guided tours, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
In addition to the Street Art Festival, Brisbane hosts various other performing and visual arts events. Here are a few key events that should not be missed:
Judith Wright Arts Centre
Location: 420 Brunswick St & Cnr, Berwick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Image Source: Expedia
The Judith Wright Arts Centre is a creative hub for contemporary arts. It hosts a range of performances, exhibitions, and events, providing a platform for artists to experiment and innovate.
Brisbane Powerhouse
Location: Yagara Country, 119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.6 / 5
Brisbane Powerhouse is a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. It hosts various events throughout the year, including theatre performances, comedy shows, dance performances, and visual arts exhibitions.
QUT Art Museum
Location: U Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
The QUT Art Museum hosts diverse exhibitions and events, showcasing works from emerging and lesser-known artists and established artists. It also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops.
Woolloongabba Art Gallery
Location: 613 Stanley St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
Best for: group tours, families, couples
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
Image Source: Woolloongabba Art Gallery
The Woolloongabba Art Gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and events, showcasing works from local and international artists. It’s a great place to discover new artists and engage with Brisbane’s vibrant art scene.
These events and venues offer a rich tapestry of artistic experiences, making Brisbane a dynamic and exciting city for art enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in street art, contemporary performances, or visual arts exhibitions, Brisbane’s performing and visual arts scene has something to offer everyone.
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Conclusion
Supporting local art is more than just an appreciation for creativity and talent; it’s about fostering a community that values innovation, diversity, and cultural expression. The vibrant South Bank and Brisbane art scene is a testament to the city’s creative spirit, contributing to its unique character and appeal.
Local art not only enriches our cultural landscape, but also stimulates economic growth, creates opportunities for artists, and enhances our quality of life. It provides a platform for dialogue, encourages community engagement, and inspires us to see the world from different perspectives.
Mobo Co’s commitment to supporting the local art scene is evident in its design and ethos. The coworking space is a canvas, showcasing local art and providing a stimulating environment that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. By fostering a strong connection with the local art scene, Mobo Co not only enhances the work experience of its members but also contributes to the cultural richness of South Brisbane.
At Mobo Co, we understand the transformative power of art and its role in fostering creativity and innovation. We are proud to support the local art scene and provide a space where our members can be inspired by Brisbane’s rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Our South Brisbane coworking space is more than just a workplace; it’s a community where ideas are shared, creativity is nurtured, and innovation is celebrated. By integrating art into our workspace, we aim to stimulate creativity, inspire new ideas, and foster community among our members.
Whether you’re a start-up, an entrepreneur, or a business of any size, we invite you to join our community at Mobo Co. Experience the vibrant art scene of South Bank and Brisbane and let it inspire your next big idea. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support your creative journey.
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