Emails from Breenspace director Sally Breen have been circulating among artists, collectors and supporters, announcing that the gallery will close on the 21st of December after the conclusion of what is now its final show, Kate Murphy‘s Lift. The email suggests the gallery is to close because there isn’t a market to support it despite Breenspace artist Simryn Gill representing Australia at this year’s Venice Biennale. Among the artists now looking for a new home in Sydney are Gary Carsley, Haines & Hinterding, Janet Laurence, Dani Marti and Tim Silver. The email reads in part:
While it has been a very difficult decision to make, unfortunately it is a necessary one because the depth of the market in Australia simply is not there to sustain the gallery despite the strength and diversity of its artists.
It has been a tremendous seven years. We have held some extraordinary, thoughtful and often highly provocative exhibitions. We have focused in particular on fostering young artists and have been heartened to see their success. We have also been fortunate to have worked with a number of established artists who have been generous in their support of the gallery and their mentoring of the younger artists.
Of course none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary dedication and loyalty of Anthony Whelan who has been with the gallery since 2008. His commitment, scholarship and passion for art has been a major factor in the gallery’s success to date.
We have also been fortunate to have had more recently great support from Claire Lewis, a highly talented curator and writer.
We wish Sally Breen, her staff and her artists the best of luck for the future.
