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Over the past three decades, Arthouse Gallery has distinguished itself as one of Australia鈥檚 leading contemporary art galleries. Currently representing over forty artists, the gallery is celebrating its 30th anniversary with two major exhibitions that showcase our leading stable of artists. We are delighted to present the second iteration of our anniversary celebrations: 30 Years Showcase. 

Founded in 1993 by Directors Ali and Diana Yeldham, Arthouse began in a charming corner terrace in Paddington, Sydney, at the intersection of Elizabeth and Sutherland streets, opposite the Four In Hand Hotel. Designed to feel like a home with its aubergine exterior, colourful walls, and welcoming atmosphere, Arthouse embodied a vision of 鈥淎rt for the People鈥濃�� an egalitarian space that welcomed all, offering an alternative to the traditional white-cube gallery. This vision was fuelled by Ali and Di鈥檚 deep passion for the arts and their desire to provide emerging artists with a platform to showcase their work. Di brought her successful background as a fashion retailer, with her well-regarded stores Di Yeldham鈥檚 Squire Shop in Melbourne and the Squire Shop Sydney, while Ali, who studied Design and Fashion at Sydney College of the Arts, gained valuable experience working in London and Paris with celebrated designers Zandra Rhodes, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix. Together, they formed a dynamic partnership that laid the foundation for Arthouse Gallery.

From the outset, Arthouse featured works by Australian artists across mediums of sculpture, furniture, design, and glass鈥� showcasing the talents of emerging artists such as Mark Douglas, Ari Athans, Michael Kemp, Sophie Gralton, Tania Wursig, Jenny Orchard, Sarina Baker, Genola de Jong, Bridgit Thomas, David Herbert, Kate Sayers, Phil Champion, and Joshua Yeldham. With pieces available at all price points, Arthouse was the first gallery of its kind in Sydney. The gallery quickly gained popularity, becoming a dynamic cultural hub that attracted local clients, collectors, and international visitors. In 1995, it was recognized by The Sydney Morning Herald as one of the city鈥檚 top cultural destinations, capturing the imagination of art lovers far and wide.

As the audience grew, a space that could accommodate larger exhibitions was the next step, leading to the opening of Arthouse Gallery at its current location on 66 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay. The new gallery, housed in a converted wool warehouse, surrounded by car mechanics, smash repair shops, and the Advanx Rubber Tyre Factory, marked a leap of faith for the founders. Nevertheless, their loyal clientele followed, and soon the area developed into a vibrant arts precinct with the arrival of Australian art and design icon Mambo and several other galleries.

Over its thirty-year history, Arthouse has championed the careers of over 130 artists from diverse backgrounds, allowing for a rich array of perspectives and experiences that contribute to Australia鈥檚 cultural landscape. Women artists and First Nations artists have been key focuses of Arthouse鈥檚 representation, with women now comprising 60% of its stable and receiving equitable recognition for their work.

The gallery has played a vital role in nurturing the careers of celebrated artists such as Belinda Fox, Kate Bergin, Joshua Yeldham, Jo Bertini, Danelle Bergstrom, Martine Emdur, and Clifford How. Through a dynamic and evolving exhibition program, Arthouse has promoted a greater understanding and appreciation of Australian and First Nations contemporary art, collaborating with renowned artists like John Prince Siddon, Rosie Tarku King, Naomi Hobson and Lydia Balbal, as well as arts centers including Mangkaja Arts, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, The Hermannsburg Potters, and Bidyadanga Art Centre Kimberley.

Operating as a cultural hub, the gallery has engaged the wider community through lectures, concerts, readings, workshops, debates, and performances led by curators, authors, musicians, and artists. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of the gallery鈥檚 programming, with Arthouse initiating numerous projects that bring together artists and designers, including partnerships with Ginger & Smart, Space Furniture, Country Road, and some of Australia鈥檚 leading architects and designers.

At Arthouse, we believe that visual art is a powerful force that transcends boundaries, enabling us to communicate our identities and foster connections within our diverse society. Working in the visual arts with living artists has been both an honour and a privilege, inspiring us through the art and artists that make up our Arthouse Family. The creativity, insight, and bravery of these artists in sharing their personal expressions with the public is deeply valued by us all. 

Many talented individuals have contributed to Arthouse Gallery over the past thirty years, and we wish to acknowledge and thank the intelligent, creative, and inspiring communicators, creatives, and administrators who have helped build this unique and special gallery, particularly Will Mansfield, who has made a significant contribution over the past decade to the gallery鈥檚 growth and the Arthouse community. This milestone exhibition marks an extraordinary achievement for Arthouse Gallery as it celebrates three impressive decades. It is a joyous recognition of the visionary partnership between Di and Ali Yeldham, their founding mission to bring 鈥淎rt to the People of Australia鈥� from its origins in Paddington, and now the extraordinary institution that Arthouse has become today.