Why Australian artists still call Victoria Home
Australia’s artistic landscape is as vast and varied as its geography, stretching from the pristine coastal regions to the rugged Outback. Yet, few places capture the spirit of this diversity quite like the state of Victoria. Known for its bustling cultural capital, Melbourne, Victoria embraces a range of artistic styles—from timeless Indigenous traditions to cutting-edge contemporary installations. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Australian art has evolved and discover why Victoria is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the nation’s creative pulse.
In Australia we are not short of art, or artists. This is particularly the case when it comes to Melbourne, Victoria.
Here are 4 top art galleries open to the public in Victoria alone:
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, featuring a vast collection ranging from European masters to contemporary installations.
Heide Museum of Modern Art – A unique art museum in Bulleen, known for its focus on modern Australian art, set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
Bendigo Art Gallery – One of Australia’s oldest and largest regional galleries, renowned for its European and Australian collections as well as high-profile international exhibitions.
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) – A leading contemporary art space in Melbourne’s Southbank arts precinct, showcasing innovative exhibitions by emerging and established artists.
4 Top Art Fests of Victoria
- Melbourne’s Street Art Culture
Melbourne is often ranked among the world’s top street art cities, with iconic laneways such as Hosier Lane showcasing constantly evolving murals, stencils, and installations. This public art movement is more than just Instagrammable backdrops—it’s a testimony to Victoria’s support for creative experimentation and community expression. - Historic and Modern Institutions
Victoria is home to esteemed institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia’s oldest and most visited art gallery. Alongside the NGV’s massive collection, smaller galleries and artist-run spaces across Melbourne’s suburbs and regional centers highlight emerging local talent, illustrating a dynamic ecosystem where modern, experimental works sit beside revered classics. - Cultural Diversity
With a large and diverse population, Victoria’s art scene is enriched by various global influences—from African diaspora communities to Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, and beyond. This multicultural tapestry drives artists to blend heritage themes with contemporary methods, resulting in works that speak to universal experiences as well as local identities.
Indigenous Art and Storytelling
Victoria hosts numerous exhibitions and cultural events celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne, for example, offers invaluable insights into Indigenous history, art, and culture, providing a platform for First Nations artists to share their traditions and foster cross-cultural dialogue.
Festivals, Events, and Local Markets
Melbourne also plays host to many public events that can be free or involve a fee. Either way, this makes incredible works easily accessible to those who enjoy the thrill of being inspired and entertained by the arts.
Pop-up art markets and community events across regional towns further extend the chance to discover local talent—illustrating that Victoria’s love affair with the arts stretches far beyond its capital city.
Supporting Local Artists
As we know, art is not a one-sided love affair. Whether you are an artist or a collector you have plenty of opportunities to partake in the art fairs and markets in Victoria. As a buyer, Instagram gives you the opportunity to find artists that you are interested in. While artists themselves, have the perfect way to display their work and show the world what they are capable of.
From purchasing original pieces at independent galleries to commissioning works directly from emerging talents, there are countless ways to support Victoria’s vibrant art community. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok etc., allow artists and collectors to communicate in a genuine (and sustainable) way, forming real connections and having real discussions.
As you can see from the previous post and this one, the watercolour-only and the ink outline painting create a very different dynamic.
Depending on your preference, you may find one style more appealing that the other. As an artist, I am happy with both styles as they allowed me to explore creating difference atmospheres through the use of different mediums.
Book Your Next Art Excursion With Us
Next time you want to experience the true colours of Australian art, put Victoria at the top of your list. If you would like to organise a curated art-holiday, feel free to contact us at Artful Voyager where we can help you to organise your visit and, depending on your requirements, we can organise a guided gallery tour for you and your group of fellow travellers.