The largest and most ambitious project to be undertaken by the National Gallery of Victoria will open November 2013. Celebrating the latest art, architecture, design, fashion and dance produced in this city, Melbourne Now will bring together over 130 artists and 30 curators to activate the spaces across NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
Assembling over 250 outstanding commissioned, acquired, loaned works and installations, Melbourne Now explores the idea that a city is significantly shaped by the artists, designers and architects who live and work in its midst. While it does not deny the connections between Melbourne and wider national and international contexts, this ambitious and far-reaching exhibition will show how artists have profoundly contributed to creating a culture and a place that is unique.
Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV said that Melbourne Now is an ambitious project that represents a new direction for the NGV in terms of its scope and its relationship with audiences.
“This exhibition is collaborative in every sense. Through community forums, commissions, acquisitions and designer engagement, Melbourne Now will survey what is current in creative practice in ways that are truly engaging and unexpected.
“We are determined too that Melbourne Now be a legacy project for the NGV by having a lasting impact on our collections, our audiences and our relationship with the arts community of our city,” said Mr Ellwood.
Melbourne Now will showcase contemporary practice across a broad range of media and art forms, including design, architecture and dance, recognising these forms as integral parts of the city’s creative mix and legitimate participants in a contemporary gallery.
Drawing on the talents of artists and designers from across art forms, Melbourne Now will offer an experience unprecedented in the city; from sonic and light installations, to interactive community exhibitions and artworks, to gallery spaces housing working design and architectural practices.
Max Delany, Senior Curator Contemporary Art, NGV said that the exhibition will be an immersive, inclusive and participatory exhibition experience, providing a rich and compelling insight into Melbourne’s art, design and cultural practice at this moment.
This exhibition has created a new model for the way in which audiences engage with the creative community. Melbourne Now is a part of NGV Summer and will be complemented by a diverse range of programing and events.
The first release of participating artists will be announced soon.
Melbourne Now will be on display at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and NGV International from 22 November 2013 – 23 March 2014. 10am – 5pm. Free entry.
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