FireWorks Gallery

A Contemporary Gallery with Three Decades of Brisbane Roots

FireWorks Gallery has been a landmark in Brisbane's art scene since 1993, operating from a striking renovated concrete warehouse in Bowen Hills. Located at 9/31 Thompson Street, the gallery occupies an impressive double-storey void that provides the perfect canvas for showcasing contemporary artworks sourced from across Australia. Founded in the era when Brisbane was developing its own cultural identity, FireWorks emerged from the networks of Campfire Group consultancies, bringing with it an original mission expressed in the byline 'Aboriginal Art & Other Burning Issues'—a commitment that continues to define the gallery's approach to curating and collecting today.

Under the direction of Michael Eather, FireWorks Gallery has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in the art world. Eather was recognised in The Bulletin's Arts & Entertainment Smart 100 in 2003, a nod to his vision for contemporary art dialogue. The gallery's curatorial philosophy remains distinctive: presenting Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists alongside each other, creating dialogue and context that enriches the viewing experience for visitors and collectors alike. This approach has established FireWorks as more than just a gallery—it's a cultural institution with a genuine commitment to diverse voices and perspectives in contemporary Australian art.

Indigenous, Contemporary & Portraiture: A Diverse Program

FireWorks Gallery is recognised for exhibiting and promoting work by some of Australia's best contemporary artists. The gallery's program embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, particularly from established artists whose work appears in major national collections including the National Gallery of Australia and Queensland Art Gallery. Artists such as Emily Kngwarreye, Barbara Weir, Dorothy Napangardi, Minnie Pwerle, and others have had their work showcased at FireWorks, reflecting the gallery's long-standing dedication to Indigenous artistic practice. The gallery also features contemporary portraiture, abstract and figurative works, and expressionist pieces, ensuring breadth and depth across the full spectrum of artistic practice.

Recent exhibitions highlight the breadth of the gallery's vision. Samantha Hobson's *Wuntalpa Time* and David Paulson's *Artist Portraits* are examples of the dual focus on Indigenous narratives and contemporary figurative work. The gallery maintains large, dynamic open stockrooms housing numerous works including paintings, sculpture, installations, works on paper and new media, allowing collectors and visitors to discover pieces that resonate with their interests. By developing unique collections—both private and corporate—featuring established and emerging artists, FireWorks creates opportunities for collectors to engage with work at every stage of an artist's career.

Active Exhibition Program and Publishing Initiatives

The gallery's active exhibition program ensures a constantly evolving calendar of shows that appeal to serious collectors, art enthusiasts, and those new to contemporary art. Spanning over three decades, FireWorks has built a comprehensive archive of exhibitions from 1993 onwards, a testament to its sustained commitment to curatorial excellence. Beyond exhibitions, the gallery undertakes ambitious projects that extend the reach and impact of the work it supports. These include facilitating and coordinating public and private commissions, developing collaborative projects, and publishing limited-edition print folios from the estates of notable artists such as Lin Onus and Vincent Serico.

More recently, FireWorks has expanded into commissioning limited-edition sculptures, broadening the scope of what contemporary Australian art can be and how it can be experienced. This multifaceted approach—combining exhibitions, publishing, commissions, and collection development—positions FireWorks Gallery as a cultural producer and curator, not merely a retail space. Whether you're seeking to expand a collection, commission a work, or simply experience what contemporary Australian art looks like in 2026, the gallery's program offers multiple entry points and opportunities for engagement.

The Bowen Hills Location: Industrial Heritage Meets Contemporary Vision

Bowen Hills has become an increasingly vibrant arts and creative neighbourhood in Brisbane, and FireWorks Gallery's presence on Thompson Street reflects the area's cultural emergence. The converted warehouse space—with its soaring double-storey void—creates an architectural environment that complements the art on display. This industrial heritage building provides the kind of raw, generous gallery space that contemporary artists and curators prize, allowing large-scale works and installations to breathe. The setting itself becomes part of the gallery experience, reinforcing the connection between contemporary art practice and the urban landscape.

Planning Your Visit to a Brisbane Contemporary Gallery

FireWorks Gallery welcomes visitors keen to explore contemporary Australian art in all its forms. The gallery is accessible at 9/31 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills, a location that's become an art destination in its own right. With a consistently fresh exhibition program and extensive stockrooms to explore, there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a collector seeking investment-quality work, an artist interested in representation, or simply curious about what contemporary Australian art is saying in this moment, FireWorks Gallery offers an informed, welcoming, and curated experience. The gallery's three decades of commitment to Aboriginal and contemporary art dialogue make it an essential stop for anyone serious about understanding the breadth and depth of Australian artistic practice.