Sabbia Gallery

A Premier Contemporary Gallery Rooted in Redfern

Sabbia Gallery stands as one of Australia's most respected platforms for contemporary art, located in the vibrant inner-Sydney suburb of Redfern on Gadigal Land. Established in 2005 by Director Anna Grigson, the gallery has spent nearly two decades building an international reputation for championing Australia's finest artists working in ceramics, glass, and fibre art. In 2025, Sabbia celebrates its 20-year milestone—a testament to its unwavering commitment to representation, innovation, and the advancement of these distinctly contemporary craft movements within both Australian and global collectors' networks. The gallery's presence in Redfern positions it at the heart of Sydney's creative precinct, accessible to art enthusiasts, collectors, and practitioners alike who seek meaningful engagement with works of substance and cultural significance.

What distinguishes Sabbia from conventional galleries is its dual focus: representing both individual contemporary artists and collective voices from remote Indigenous art centres across Australia. This inclusive approach reflects a genuine commitment to diversity, quality, and the stories that Australian artists tell through their chosen mediums. The team, led by Director Grigson and supported by dedicated staff, operates with a curatorial eye attuned to both technical mastery and conceptual depth. Sabbia respectfully acknowledges the Gadigal people and the Traditional Custodians of the land, honouring the enduring connection to Country, culture, and community that informs the cultural landscape in which it works.

Ceramics, Glass & Fibre: Australia's Dynamic Contemporary Craft

Sabbia's artistic focus—ceramics, glass, and fibre art—encompasses some of the most innovative and technically sophisticated contemporary craft practices in Australia today. The gallery's roster of artists demonstrates remarkable diversity in approach, from abstract formal investigation to figurative narrative, and from personal studio practice to collaborative Indigenous art centre traditions. These three mediums, often understood as applied or decorative arts in earlier eras, have evolved into powerful vehicles for conceptual and aesthetic expression in contemporary practice. Sabbia's curatorial strategy positions these works not as peripheral to the contemporary art discourse but as central to it, showcasing the variety, quality, and continued growth of these movements within Australian visual culture.

The artists represented at Sabbia are internationally renowned practitioners whose work transcends geographical boundaries and speaks to global audiences. Whether working in kiln-formed glass, hand-built ceramic vessels, or woven and textile-based fibre practices, these artists engage with material, colour, form, and meaning in deeply considered ways. Recent and upcoming exhibitions—such as Susie Choi's 'Right side wrong side', Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott's 'The Spaces Between', and the landmark 'Rrawa' presentation from Maningrida Arts—exemplify the gallery's commitment to presenting work that challenges, inspires, and enriches. Featured artists including Jenni Kemarre Martiniello OAM, Mel Douglas, and LeSHAYE SWAN further demonstrate the breadth of artistic vision on the gallery's roster.

A Comprehensive Exhibition Program with Indigenous Leadership

Sabbia maintains a rigorous yearly schedule of solo exhibitions, curated group shows, and signature series that keep the gallery dynamic and engaging throughout the year. The annual Masters series and biannual Indigenous Together series form the backbone of this programming, providing both established and emerging voices with major presentation opportunities. These exhibitions are carefully timed and curated to allow each artist sufficient space to develop their ideas and reach audiences meaningfully. The gallery's commitment to long-term artist representation means that visitors can expect to discover works of depth and intention, backed by institutional knowledge and professional expertise in collecting, conservation, and placement.

The current and upcoming exhibition slate reveals Sabbia's active engagement with contemporary practice. Running through June 2026, exhibitions by Susie Choi and the collaborative pairing of Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott occupy the gallery space, followed by the Indigenous-led 'Rrawa' presentation from Maningrida Arts and Jenni Kemarre Martiniello OAM's 'Synesthesia' in late June. Later in the year, works by Mel Douglas and LeSHAYE SWAN continue to establish the gallery as a destination for those seeking authentic, culturally engaged contemporary art. This programming structure ensures that Sabbia remains responsive to its artists' practices whilst maintaining curatorial coherence and professional standards across its exhibition season.

Collector Services and Professional Expertise

Beyond exhibitions, Sabbia operates a full-service practice for Australian and international collectors. The gallery offers consultancy, collection management, and formal valuation services, positioning itself as a trusted advisor in the acquisition and stewardship of contemporary ceramic, glass, and fibre art. Director Anna Grigson, a registered Commonwealth of Australia Valuer, specialises in First Nations paintings, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and artefacts. Her expertise ensures that valuations conducted for insurance, market assessment, or estate planning purposes meet professional standards and reflect current market conditions. This layer of professional service adds genuine value for serious collectors and institutions seeking to build or refine their holdings.

Sabbia's commitment extends beyond the point of sale into the long-term placement of works within major private collections and public institutions worldwide. Whether providing quotes for individual artwork valuations, assessing entire collections, or offering industry consultation, the gallery approaches each engagement with rigorous research and ethical practice. The team's collective experience and attention to provenance, documentation, and authentication underscore a gallery operation built on integrity and deep knowledge. For visitors and collectors alike, this professional foundation offers confidence and clarity in an art market that can sometimes feel opaque or inaccessible.

Plan Your Visit to Redfern's Premier Contemporary Gallery

Located in Redfern, one of Sydney's most culturally vibrant suburbs, Sabbia Gallery invites both seasoned collectors and curious art enthusiasts to experience its carefully curated exhibitions. The gallery's accessible location and professional team create an environment where visitors can engage meaningfully with works of substance. Whether you are drawn to the sculptural possibilities of contemporary ceramics, the luminous qualities of artistic glass, the tactile warmth of fibre works, or the cultural narratives presented by Indigenous artists and collectives, Sabbia offers something compelling. The gallery's website provides detailed information about current exhibitions, upcoming presentations, and artist profiles—making it easy to plan your visit or stay informed about forthcoming shows.

To stay connected with Sabbia's exhibition schedule and announcements, interested visitors can subscribe to the gallery's exhibition mailing list. This ensures you won't miss major presentations or new artist acquisitions. For valuation enquiries, collection consultancy, or artist representation discussions, the team welcomes professional correspondence through the gallery's contact information. Whether viewing in person or engaging remotely, Sabbia Gallery remains committed to fostering a community of collectors, artists, and art lovers united by appreciation for Australia's most dynamic contemporary practices in ceramics, glass, and fibre art.