Melbourne gallery announces new collecting initiative

Melbourne’s MARS Gallery announce Art Start, an initiative aimed at educating young art buyers on how to start their own collection. The free night will include a panel of young expert speakers who have a wealth of information about tips and tricks, as well as advice on what to avoid when collecting. While aimed at young collectors, MARS welcomes all guests wishing to increase their knowledge base.

“We believe that everyone can start an art collection,” says Andy Dinan, director of MARS Gallery. “Gone are the days where art collecting was reserved only for the wealthy elite. Today, art collecting is for everyone. If you have the will to learn and the eyes to look, you, too, can build an extraordinary collection. The trick is knowing where to look! The purpose of Art Start is to show young people just how attainable and affordable building an art collection can be. Developing an eye for art and an ability to read artworks are the first things we educate young collectors in. Our mission is to provide the next generation of collectors with new opportunities to build diverse collections. Culturally diverse collections and ones that recognise the importance of female voices are always the most interesting.”

Speakers will include: Diego Ramirez – a young artist, writer, and director of Ari who will talk about how to buy art for an artist-run space. Nikita Le Messurier – a young collector – who will talk about her experience using Art Money, and what to watch for when art shopping from a collector’s point of view. Lucy Foster (from Leonard Joel), who will provide information about the auction process – how to bid, when to stop, and the surprisingly low cost of buying at auction, and gallerist, Vinaya Marriott, who will give tips for shopping at galleries.

Art Start will take place at MARS Gallery, 7 James Street, Windsor on Friday 23 April at 6pm. Entry to this event is free. For more information, please contact MARS Gallery here or by phone (03) 9521 7517.

Image: Scotty So, Lou Waitang, 2021 (detail). Digital photograph, 150 x 100cm. Courtesy: the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne.