2025 Exhibition Program

Albany Town Hall GallerIES

THE ANTIPODEAN MANIFESTO: WORKS FROM THE STATE ART COLLECTION

25 July - 6 September 2025 | Albany Town Hall 

The Antipodean Manifesto: Works from The State Art Collection exhibition features a selection of paintings, drawings, prints and ceramics by the seven artists who formed the Antipodean group in Melbourne in 1959.

Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, David Boyd, John Brack, Robert Dickerson, John Perceval, and Clifton Pugh held a single exhibition at the Victorian Artists Society in August 1959. The Antipodean Manifesto was written by art historian and fellow group member Bernard Smith and, signed by Smith and the exhibiting artists, it was included in the exhibition’s catalogue.

The Antipodean Manifesto stated that the artists were opposed to non-figurative art and that recognisable images were the basis of painting. The threat of abstraction on Australian figurative art was perceived by the unchallenged reception that abstract art was receiving with audiences and critics locally and abroad. The Antipodeans did not see themselves as representative of a national cultural identity. Rather, they were deeply rooted in the post-war modernist artistic and literary associations of the Heide circle in Melbourne. They asserted the importance of subject matter and a theme viewing abstract art, predominately gaining popularity in Sydney, as marginalising their artistic contribution, and ultimately leading “to the death of art”.

The exhibition, drawn from The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia explores the formation and aspirations of the group, situating their work within the social and political context of late 1950s Australia.

A touring exhibition from The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA).

Artwork (details): John Brack. British Modern. 1969. Oil on canvas, 96.5 × 129.5 cm. The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia. Purchased 1984. Photo: Bo Wong

Content Warning: This exhibition contains some adult themes and images of nudity. Viewers discretion is advised. 

Open 25 July - 6 September  2025

Albany Town Hall - 217 York St Albany

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5pm

Dates open to public Exhibition
25 July - 6 September  THE ANTIPODEAN MANIFESTO: WORKS FROM THE STATE ART COLLECTION 
27 Sep - 12 Oct  27 Sep - 12 Oct Arts & Culture | 2025 Southern Art & Craft Trail Events ( see below for more details) 

VANCOUVER ARTS CENTRE GALLERIES

Exploring Creativity Through a Prohibited Culture

8 Aug - 15 Sep 2025 | Vancouver Arts Centre

Exploring Creativity Through A Prohibited Culture
A collection of works by Noongar artists of the Southwest region.

This exhibition is a tribute to our elders, our families, and our ancestors. Throughout history our cultural practices and traditions were prohibited even outlawed in society.

We present a journey through history with a display of our cultural practices through art and crafts.

In gratitude of the strength and resilience of our ancestors to preserve our culture and traditional for future generations.

Artwork (details): 'Yarning Circle' by Carleen Eades, mixed medium, 2025. 

Dates: 8 Aug- 15 Sep 
Days: Monday to Friday
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Vancouver Arts Centre, 85 Vancouver Street, Albany, WA

ARTS & cULTURE | 2025 SOUTHERN ART & CRAFT TRAIL

Sat 27 Sep - Sun 12 Oct  | Vancouver Arts Centre & Albany Town Hall 

The City of Albany Arts & Culture | 2025 Southern Art & Craft Trail Events

Sat 27 September to Sun 12 October

Running from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 12 October, Western Australia’s premier regional arts event will showcase the talents of over 500 artists across 63 venues throughout the Great Southern and surrounding regions.

Presented by ArtSouthWA, the Trail spans more than 46,000 hectares, offering locals and visitors a vibrant, accessible celebration of the arts during the spring school holidays. Now recognised as a key cultural tourism event in WA, the Trail features a rich variety of artistic mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, jewellery, pottery, glasswork, and more.

This year also sees 17 schools participating, alongside live demonstrations and hands-on workshops, ensuring there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Exhibitions at the Vancouver Arts Centre:

  • Searching for Fibonacci by Heather Brown

          Heather Brown creates unique small canvases using paper, paint, and natural materials like homegrown flowers, seeds, and nuts. Her larger prints capture scenes from the local, biodiverse            ecosystem.

  • A Year of Challenge by Felters in the Great Southern

Find Felters in the Great Southern (FIGS) exhibition in the large meeting room at the Vancouver Arts Centre at venue number 48 on the Southern Art and Craft Trail map.

  • Open Spectrum by the Albany Art Group

The Albany Art Group is a vibrant collective of diverse and talented artists working across a range of mediums. The AAG is venue number 49 on the Southern Art and Craft Trail map.

  • #Scapes by Quadrant

#Scapes is a multimedia and printmaking exhibition. The artists will focus on the Great Southern area taking inspiration from the different Scapes that comprise the region. This exhibition is venue number

Exhibitions at the Albany Town Hall:

  • Paul's Choice City of Albany Art Collection

A special exhibition from the City of Albany’s Art Collection upstairs at the Town Hall.

Vancouver Arts Centre open times during the Art Trail:

Mon - Fri 10-4pm. Sat - Sun 10-2pm

Albany Town Hall open times during the Art Trail:

Mon - Sat 10-5pm. Sun 10-2pm

For more information on the art trail or to download a trail map head to Art South WA https://artsouthwa.com.au/

Dates open to public Exhibition
8 Aug - 15 Sep 

Exploring Creativity Through A Prohibited Culture  
27 Sep - 12 Oct  Arts & Culture | 2025 Southern Art & Craft Trail Events