Stanley Street Gallery

A Contemporary Gallery in the Heart of Darlinghurst

Stanley Street Gallery sits at 1/52–54 Stanley Street in Darlinghurst, Sydney, a vibrant inner-city neighbourhood known for its creative spirit and artistic legacy. Founded in 2012 by directors and co-curators Liza Feeney and Merilyn Bailey, both alumni of Sydney College of the Arts, the gallery began as a mixed studio and gallery space and has evolved into a significant platform for contemporary Australian and international artists. For over a decade, Feeney and Bailey have shaped the gallery's identity through a distinctive curatorial vision that celebrates material knowledge, craftsmanship and conceptual depth.

The gallery's location reflects its commitment to the local arts community and the broader Sydney art scene. Stanley Street Gallery acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. Visitors can reach the gallery Thursday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm during exhibition dates, making it an accessible destination for collectors, artists, students and art enthusiasts exploring contemporary galleries in Darlinghurst.

Contemporary Practice Rooted in Material Mastery

At its core, Stanley Street Gallery celebrates contemporary artists and craftspeople who bring deep material knowledge and technical excellence to their practice. The curatorial approach emphasises the relationship between process, materials and meaning—a philosophy shaped by Feeney and Bailey's own backgrounds in contemporary jewellery. This focus extends across painting, sculpture, jewellery, experimental media and mixed disciplines, creating a dynamic and intellectually rigorous exhibition program that challenges conventional boundaries of artistic medium.

The gallery represents a carefully selected roster of established and emerging artists. Visitors will encounter work by acclaimed Australian practitioners including Margaret Ackland, Amy Dynan and Gretal Ferguson, alongside international artists such as Oscarmartín de Burgos from Spain and Victoria McIntosh from New Zealand, as well as groundbreaking emerging voices like Agus Wijaya and Chrystal Rimmer. Each exhibition is thoughtfully curated to present work that speaks to the future of contemporary art in the Asia-Pacific region, offering visitors a window into diverse aesthetic conversations and innovative artistic strategies.

Current and Upcoming Exhibition Program

Stanley Street Gallery maintains an active exhibition calendar featuring both solo and group shows. Current offerings include Kenneth Lambert's 'Augmented Intervals', introducing visitors to his contemporary practice. The gallery's forward-looking program includes upcoming exhibitions with artists such as Victoria Edin and Gretal Ferguson ('Unbecoming'), Lucy Chetcuti ('Thought forms from the queer utopia imaginarium'), Emily Valentine ('Native Narrative'), Pierre Cavalan ('Amulets for day after tomorrow') and Chrystal Rimmer. This diverse slate reflects the gallery's commitment to supporting varied artistic voices and practices across abstract, figurative, landscape and conceptual frameworks.

The exhibition program is complemented by artist interviews and virtual exhibitions available through the gallery's video platform, extending engagement beyond the physical space and inviting broader audiences to connect with the work and ideas on display. The gallery also maintains an online shop, allowing visitors and collectors to acquire editions and works outside the gallery walls.

A Studio and Gallery Rooted in Artistic Practice

What distinguishes Stanley Street Gallery from many commercial spaces is its origins as a working studio for practising artists. Feeney and Bailey founded the venue to support their own jewellery practices whilst creating a platform for kindred artistic voices. This dual identity—studio and gallery—remains embedded in the venue's DNA, fostering authentic connections between artistic process and public presentation. The shared commitment to technical rigour and conceptual ambition creates a space where visitors encounter artists deeply engaged with their materials and ideas.

The gallery's team, led by co-directors Feeney and Bailey alongside office manager Reiana Aramoana, brings diverse expertise to operations and curation. This collaborative, artist-centred approach ensures that exhibitions reflect not only commercial viability but genuine artistic merit and intellectual contribution, making Stanley Street Gallery a destination for those seeking thought-provoking contemporary art in Sydney.

Planning Your Visit

Stanley Street Gallery is located at 1/52–54 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, and welcomes visitors Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm during exhibition dates. Those wishing to plan ahead or enquire about current programming can contact the gallery directly on +61 (02) 9368 1142. The gallery's website features current and upcoming exhibitions, detailed artist information and an online shop for collectors interested in acquiring work.

Whether you're an established collector, emerging artist or simply curious about contemporary practice, Stanley Street Gallery offers a refined and intellectually engaged environment for exploring Australian and international contemporary art. Follow the gallery on social media for exhibition updates and artist interviews, and check the website for the latest on future exhibitions and openings.