GEELONG creative hub Liminal Gallery and Lab has shut its doors, with its owners saying they are “heartbroken and deeply exhausted”.<\/p>\n
Corey and Harriet Notaristefano told supporters via email last week they had made the difficult decision to cease operations in Ryrie Street.<\/p>\n
The couple took over the commercial gallery space in 2023, later merging what was then Hue and Cry Gallery with fellow local business Analogue Academy.<\/p>\n
After several years navigating a tough economic and creative climate, Liminal launched a fundraising campaign in October in a bid to steady the ship and keep the lights on.<\/p>\n
The strong community response carried the gallery through summer and bought it a few more months, but it was not enough to secure its long-term future.<\/p>\n
In an emotional message, Corey said the past two months had also brought serious health challenges for their family.<\/p>\n
“We simply have nothing left to give,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We know this news will disappoint many people. It may even anger some. We understand that. All we can do is apologise and be honest about where we are.<\/p>\n
“We want to acknowledge everyone who showed up for us \u2013 especially during the raffle and fundraising campaign in October. The generosity, encouragement and advocacy we experienced during that time meant more than we can say.”<\/p>\n
He said the couple had poured their “hearts, souls, energy, time and personal finances” into building Liminal.<\/p>\n
“We built it with a clear vision \u2013 to create a space where local creatives felt seen, supported and valued. A space that offered real opportunity, professional growth and genuine community,” Corey said. “And together, we did build that.”<\/p>\n
He urged the community to continue backing local creative spaces and small businesses.<\/p>\n
“Go to opening nights. Share their posts. Invite friends. Buy tickets. Purchase artwork when you can. Offer encouraging words. Engagement, presence and advocacy truly make a difference. And beyond the arts, small local businesses are doing it tough,” Corey said.<\/p>\n
“Where possible, choose to shop local, book local, and support the people who are trying to build something meaningful in this community.”<\/p>\n
Liminal will remain open to its current studio members until mid-April, but the gallery is no longer open to the public.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
GEELONG creative hub Liminal Gallery and Lab has shut its doors, with its owners saying they are “heartbroken and deeply exhausted”. Corey and Harriet Notaristefano told supporters via email last week they had made the difficult decision to cease operations in Ryrie Street. The couple took over the commercial gallery space in 2023, later merging […]<\/p>\n