Untether: A new chapter for Geelong arts

A new gallery space dedicated to exhibitions and events that explore the human experience has opened at the entry of the Centrepoint Arcade.Founded by Creative Geelong chair Jennifer Cromarty, Untether Gallery + Studio marks an exciting addition to the cultural precinct on Little Malop Street, which is currently inhabited by a range of emerging and established makers and creators.

Ms Cromarty said it had taken a lot of hard work to transform the space, which has sat empty for approximately seven years.

“I’ve been really thrilled with the response that we’ve had from the arts community,” Ms Cromarty said.

“[It has] just really opened my eyes to how many people are involved in art, whether it’s part time or a hobby or it’s their professional practice.

“There’s just so much great talent out there. It’s just giving them a chance to have a space [to exhibit their work].”

The new space was officially opened to the public at a launch event yesterday (Thursday, August 8), along with its first exhibition Exploration of the Self, which features the work of 13 different artists, including Ms Cromarty’s own work, and spans “the full gamut” of artistic mediums, from textiles to sculptures.

Ms Cromarty said the work on display explored a broad range of themes, including tragedy, death, mental health, the reclamation of art and the internal chaos that is familiar to many.

“When artists are asked to think about who they are, what do they depict?

“It’s a really interesting question to ask them.”

From here, the gallery will host a combination of curated exhibitions and open invitationals, allowing anyone to submit a piece to exhibit, ensuring the gallery space is also inclusive.

“It’s about people feeling that they can use their art to explore who they are – which is pretty much what I think art’s about – but also having, let’s say, an accessible, hopefully cost-effective, opportunity for people to exhibit their work in the city,” Ms Cromatry said.

Untether’s second show will be an open invitational group exhibition delving into the theme of “Birth + Rebirth” and artists have until August 22 to submit their work.

“The gallery wants to explore that gamut of emotions,” Ms Cromarty said.

“How apt to think about birth and rebirth when you’re just opening a new gallery.”

Untether will also have several studio spaces up for grabs and Ms Cromarty is currently field enquiries from artists interested in the options available.

She hopes the spaces might be able to support local emerging or aspiring artists who could work towards an exhibition in the gallery.

For more information, head to untethergallery.com.au