New director & location for James Makin Gallery

Jessica Velasquez steps into the role alongside founder James Makin.

Words: Maddy Matheson

With more than 20 years’ experience in Melbourne’s commercial gallery scene, Jessica Velasquez steps up to join James Makin as co-director of James Makin Gallery. The appointment of Velasquez comes after two years as Senior Sales Executive at the gallery.

The gallery is set to move locations in June to 89 Islington Street, Collingwood, not far from its current location. The new location will follow the same design ethos for the space, including diffuse natural light and polished concrete floors which the gallery is known for.

Directors James Makin and Jessica Velasquez are supported by Amy Turrini (Curator and Gallery Registrar) and Laura Kirkham (Curator and Social Media & Marketing).

Image: James Makin Gallery. Courtesy: the gallery.

READ MORE

Kaiela Arts launches new Editions program with Maree Clarke and Spacecraft

Kaiela Arts will unveil a landmark collaboration with artist Maree Clarke and Melbourne print studio Spacecraft this November, launching Kaiela Arts Editions, a new initiative expanding creative and commercial opportunities for First Nations artists.
Read more

Entries open for 2026 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize

Australia’s most valuable art prize for women celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, inviting entries from artists across the country for a share in $58,000 of prize money.
Read more

Heide Museum of Modern Art to Present Major Survey of John Nixon’s Work

Heide Museum of Modern Art will celebrate the legacy of pioneering abstract artist John Nixon with Song of the Earth, a major survey tracing five decades of his experimental and influential practice.
Read more

APY Art Centre Collective to Open New First Nations Gallery and Cultural Hub in Redfern

The APY Art Centre Collective will open APY Gallery Redfern in November 2025, establishing a new First Nations-owned gallery and cultural hub in Sydney dedicated to supporting artists, community, and cultural exchange.
Read more