Subiartco Galleries

A Community-Driven Art Hub in Subiaco

Subiartco Galleries was a serious player in Subiaco's art scene, giving local and emerging artists a proper platform for contemporary work. From April 2017 to September 2021, they ran out of unused shopfronts along Wexford and Sheen Streets, turning these neighbourhood spaces into working galleries packed with original art. The whole thing was built on the idea that artists should connect directly with their communities, which fit right in with how Subiaco was changing into a real cultural hub at the time.

What made Subiartco different was their refusal to play it safe. Instead of the standard single-gallery model, they ran multiple spaces at once, each one its own exhibition setup. Using seven different showrooms across Wexford and Sheen Streets gave them serious reach and meant locals actually had a decent chance of stumbling onto contemporary art without leaving the suburb. The core of what they did was straightforward: give artists a place to show and sell their work in their own backyard, where the connections between makers and collectors could actually mean something.

Art across many mediums

Subiartco Galleries showed off a wide range of art forms from its members. You'd find acrylic, oil and pastel paintings on the walls alongside contemporary photography, sculptural work in basketry and glass, and handcrafted jewellery. The collection covered abstract stuff, figurative pieces, landscapes, detailed portraits and still-life works. By putting all these different mediums and styles together, Subiartco made it clear that contemporary art in Perth isn't just about painting.

The gallery also brought in guest artists working across different mediums to keep things fresh and interesting. Two member artists ran painting classes right there in the space, which turned the galleries into places where people could actually learn and create. That combination of showing art and teaching it meant Subiartco was more than just somewhere to buy stuff. It was a real creative hub where the community could see what working artists were doing, pick up some skills, and support them directly.

Themed Exhibitions and Community Fundraising

Subiartco Galleries ran themed exhibitions that let members show their work within specific conceptual frameworks. More importantly, the gallery used its position to raise money for good causes. Art sales went to St John of God Hospital and Headspace WA. This approach, mixing contemporary art with community benefit, came from a belief that galleries can do more than just make sales. They can actually matter to the suburbs they're part of.

The gallery's reach spread beyond Subiaco. Subiartco got exhibition space at Hamptons City Beach and had a 14-month residency at Point Fraser Perth, showing the organisation could exhibit and engage audiences right across Perth. Lately, member works have shown and sold at Caleb Restaurant & Bar in Subiaco, proving Subiartco artists keep finding ways to exhibit and sell their work around the neighbourhood.

Staying Connected with Subiartco Artists

After closing its showroom at 67/12 Sheen Street in September 2021, Subiartco Galleries shifted to working more directly with the community. The artists didn't disappear.

If you're after contemporary art from local artists, Subiartco gives you a direct line to the people making it. The collective's got painters, photographers, sculptors and jewellery designers all contactable through the site. Right now they're hunting for a permanent space and will post any updates about new locations and upcoming shows on their social media channels. Subiartco Galleries, Subiaco, WA 6008.