Discover the dark side of the gallery

THE Art Gallery of Ballarat is opening its doors at night with two Australian indie bands playing alongside viewings of Nan Goldin’s the Ballad of Sexual Dependency.

Gut Health and the Belair Lip Bombs will be kicking off the events known as Late-Night Encounters, playing Saturday 16 March and Saturday 13 April respectively.

Gallery director Louise Tegart said she is looking forward to bringing new people to the space.

“We know that people like to experience galleries in different ways, and we want to appeal to different groups in different ways,” she said.

“We are hoping that having some of the most exciting musical acts performing here, linked to our changing exhibition program, will add a whole new dimension to the ways our visitors can enjoy the gallery.”

It is hoped the initiative will contribute to Ballarat’s expanding nighttime economy.

The backdrop to the performances will be Nan Goldin: The Ballad of Sexual Dependency which opens on Saturday 2 March.

The collection of images is on loan from the National Gallery of Australia and this will be its Victorian debut.

Goldin’s works explore subcultures, intimacy, the impact of HIV/AIDS and opioid epidemics.

The photographs are referred to by Goldin as her ‘public diary’,” reflecting lived experience.

Tickets to each show cost $50 and include entry to the exhibition and supper, while drinks can be purchased at bar prices.

To find out more about the Late-Night Encounters, visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat website.