Linden New Art

Each year, St Kilda fixture Linden New Art hosts a free-to-attend exhibition that offers a snapshot of Australia’s artscape by dint of its open door policy. The only rules for entry are that the artist must be Australian, and the work must be approximately postcard-sized. Add in a stack of cash prizes, and you have the perfect recipe for a consistently dynamic range of styles and calibres.  More than 1,000 works from artists at every stage of their career will be displayed, including (as of last year) select 3D artworks. Alongside emerging artists, you can also expect works from established names including Jane O’Neil, Jacqui Stockdale and Sarah Crowest.  This year marks the Linden Postcard Show’s 34th edition, and the second time guidelines have been expanded to include slightly larger works, though not so large as to sacrifice the exhibition’s miniature charm. Winners of the more than $10,000 in cash prizes (including a people’s choice award and a First Nations prize) will be announced during the run, and if you like a particular work you can usually buy it as well, for a reasonable price.  The exhibition opens on December 7 and runs through summer until February 2 2025. There’s no need to register to attend, just rock up and support local creatives. More information is available at the Linden New Art website.  Feeling arty? Check out the best art and exhibitions happening in Melbourne this month.