Artbank is the Australian government initiative that acquires the work of living Australian contemporary artists and leases it out to the public, with 100 per cent of the leasing fees going back into supporting visual artists.
They also hold frequent exhibitions of works from their 10,000-strong collection at their Waterloo gallery.
Once a year in Sydney they host the Artbank Social Club – an open day where you can browse over 5,000 artworks in the storerooms, while enjoying a pop-up bar and garden party, Mexican street food by Cantina Movil, and vintage vinyl played all day long by the Rolling Records truck shop.
This year’s event, held on Saturday November 19, is expected to attract record crowds for a brand new initiative, the Artist Flea Market. More than 30 Australian artists will transform Artbank Sydney’s gallery and public spaces into an artists’ bazaar full of surprises, including a program of performances over the day, as well as an array of artworks and other items for sale. items for sale and Australian art.
A rethink of the ‘open studio’ concept, the Artist Flea Market will see artists given the opportunity to present their work, display elements from their studio, offer items for sale or provide an opportunity for exchange at a bespoke market stall.
Artists participating in the Artist Flea Market include: Amala Groom & Nicole Monks; OK YEAH COOL GREAT; Claudia Nicholson; James Nguyen; Make or Break; Angela Goh; Jake Preval; Megan Cope; and many more.
Artbank director Tony Stephens says: "The Artbank Social Club is for everyone, no matter how much or how little you may know about contemporary art. Come down and visit what I am sure will be a day like many haven’t experienced before."
Admission to Artbank Social Club is free.