Sarah Werkmeister

They say Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, but what makes it thrive is the artists living or working in the city, and doing it for themselves. Melbourne’s artist-run initiatives are an essential part of the larger ecosystem that gives the city its famed title. And they’re varied – some above restaurants, others tucked in with shared office spaces, others roving and without a permanent space at all, and of course, others acting as street-facing high street galleries. Recommended: the best free art galleries in Melbourne.

Founded in 2001, Bus Projects is one of Melbourne’s busiest artist-run initiatives, with upwards of 50 exhibitions per year across multiple gallery spaces, as well as music events, experimental art programs and educational workshops. It’s firmed itself up as one of Melbourne’s foremost contemporary galleries showcasing local, national and international art. Their exhibition schedule comprises artists who apply through an open call, as well as curated projects and exhibition series. They also have a small library and bookshop, so you can satiate all your art-reading needs. Since opening, Bus Projects occupied three different buildings as well as temporary spaces: on Little Lonsdale St, Donkey Wheel House, and currently, under John Wardle Architects in Collingwood. There’s also a small cafe next door, so you can grab a coffee before heading in to see the exhibitions. The current director is Channon Goodwin, the curator is Kathryne Genevieve Honey, and the curator of public programs is Nina Mulhall.

Blak Dot showcases contemporary and traditional First Nations art, and is currently Melbourne’s only Indigenous-run art gallery with a physical space. It was established in 2011, and in 2016 moved to its current premises behind the Brunswick baths. Blak Dot showcases some of the most exciting art practice happening in Australia and abroad, and often hosts exhibitions in conjunction with major cultural events or festivals. They also host residencies, have an outdoor cinema, and it’s not unusual to catch a band playing in their grassed courtyard. If you want to participate in workshops, head to a fashion launch, or get deeper into issues facing Indigenous artists, Blak Dot is the ARI to check out. The best thing? It’s open to all. The gallery's director is Kimba Thompson, who works with a great bunch of volunteers and artists that keep the space running.