Author Description

The Women's Gallery 1989-1995. This high quality art book is an historical record built from the archives of a not-for-profit volunteer-based gallery, distinct in its support for women's art. Brunswick Street in the 80's was confidently edgy, creative and welcoming. Nevertheless, The Women's Gallery caused a stir when it opened in 1988. Feminist artists had dared to make their own way through action not debate, neither seeking to proselytise or convert, protect or defend, but rather to carve a space in the real world humming along the street. On the corner of Rose and Brunswick Streets the gallery was easily accessible to the busy flow of Melbourne's alternative community and visitors from the suburbs. Open from June 1988 to December 1995 this all-volunteer gallery conducted 119 exhibitions, over half of them solo exhibitions and played host to theatre and musical performances, book launches and poetry readings. We were busy. In summer we averaged 620 viewers per week. This is our story.