BSIDE Gallery

Urban Contemporary Art in the Heart of Fitzroy

BSIDE Gallery is a Melbourne art gallery located at Level 1, 121 Brunswick Street in Fitzroy—a vibrant inner-city neighbourhood renowned for its creative energy and diverse cultural scene. Since its establishment in 2016, BSIDE Gallery has positioned itself as a dynamic contemporary art space that breaks free from traditional gallery conventions. The space represents a new generation of art venues: young, energetic, and unafraid to challenge the status quo of how and where contemporary art is exhibited and experienced. Housed on Brunswick Street, one of Fitzroy's most bustling artistic strips, the gallery sits at the intersection of Melbourne's street art heritage and a thriving international contemporary art community.

The gallery's name itself carries meaning rooted in music history. 'B-side' references the hidden gems found on the flipside of records and cassette tapes—tracks known for their originality and often offering a truer representation of an artist than the commercial hit. This philosophy shapes BSIDE Gallery's curatorial approach: championing works that feel authentic, unexpected, and distinct from mainstream art world trends. The space operates as both a discovery zone for emerging voices and a showcase for established artists who share this commitment to originality and creative risk-taking.

Pioneering Contemporary and Street Art Across Multiple Disciplines

BSIDE Gallery specialises in urban contemporary art, street and urban art, abstract work, and pop art—categories that reflect the eclectic and boundary-pushing nature of the collection. The gallery has provided crucial early platforms for artists including Crisis (Glen Downey), Silk Roy, Dose, Michael Cain, and Tommy Dassalo, whose debut solo exhibitions here marked significant milestones in their careers. Beyond these emerging talents, the space represents a carefully curated network of local and international artists such as Josh Lord, Caper, Will Coles, Said Dokins, Tuyuloveme, and Chaz Bojórquez, bringing work that spans continents and artistic disciplines.

Exhibitions at BSIDE Gallery frequently blur traditional boundaries, weaving together painting, ceramics, street art aesthetics, and multimedia approaches. Recent programming has included immersive, multi-sensory exhibitions celebrating late 90s and early 2000s nostalgia, collaborative projects blending visual art with music and performance, and deeply personal works addressing themes of identity, healing, and cultural significance. The gallery's commitment to First Nations storytelling and artists underrepresents in conventional spaces further reinforces its role as a challenger to established gatekeeping within the Australian art world. This diverse programming reflects a gallery genuinely interested in art as conversation and community rather than commodity alone.

A Calendar of Exhibitions, Events, and Artist Applications

BSIDE Gallery maintains an active and varied exhibition schedule throughout the year, with new shows regularly launched across the calendar. The gallery actively invites artist applications for 2026 and beyond, welcoming proposals from emerging and established practitioners. Past years have hosted numerous exhibitions archived by year (2016–2020 accessible on the gallery website), documenting the evolution of both the space and the contemporary art landscape it serves. This open application process democratises access and ensures the gallery continues to discover and platform voices that might otherwise remain invisible to Melbourne's broader art audience.

Beyond traditional exhibitions, BSIDE Gallery hosts dynamic events that extend beyond white-wall art viewing. Recent programming has included collaborative opening nights featuring live DJs, immersive themed experiences, and artist talks exploring themes from Japanese Cubism to trauma and resilience. The venue also offers space hire, making it available for private events, artist residencies, and cultural collaborations. This flexibility reinforces the gallery's identity as a living, breathing community hub rather than a static display space—a venue where art, music, conversation, and celebration intersect.

What Sets BSIDE Apart: Authenticity Over Convention

In Melbourne's competitive contemporary art landscape, BSIDE Gallery distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity. Rather than chase trend cycles or cater exclusively to commercial appetites, the space champions work that feels necessary, challenging, and true to its makers' vision. The gallery's location in Fitzroy—historically a gritty neighbourhood that gave birth to Australian street art—provides natural synergy with urban contemporary aesthetics, yet the programming extends far beyond graffiti and spray paint into conceptual, abstract, and pop-influenced territories that demand serious critical engagement.

The gallery's foundation in 2016 proved strategically timed; it emerged at a moment when Melbourne's creative communities were increasingly questioning the insularity of established art institutions. By explicitly rejecting 'the traditional gallery setting' whilst maintaining rigorous curatorial standards, BSIDE navigates a rare middle ground: accessible and experimental without sacrificing intellectual rigour or artistic excellence. The venue has become a trusted incubator for artists early in their careers and a respected platform for international practitioners seeking authentic Australian context.

Visiting BSIDE Gallery and Getting Involved

BSIDE Gallery is located at Level 1, 121 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, and can be reached on 0410 159 383 for enquiries or venue hire bookings. The gallery maintains an active online presence via its website (bsidegallery.com) and social media channels, where the latest exhibitions, opening nights, and artist announcements are regularly shared. A mailing list subscription is available for those wishing to stay informed about upcoming shows and artworks available for purchase through the gallery's online shop.

Whether visiting Fitzroy for its street art heritage, dining scene, or cultural institutions, BSIDE Gallery offers an essential stop for anyone seeking cutting-edge contemporary art in an authentic, rule-breaking environment. The space welcomes artist applications via its website, making it an accessible entry point for emerging practitioners. For collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike, BSIDE Gallery represents a genuine alternative to conventional Melbourne art venues—a place where originality is honoured, artistic risk is embraced, and the next generation of Australian and international art is actively being shaped.