‘Photography is alive and kicking!

If you are into Australian contemporary art then this is the exhibition for you – it’s photography that needs to be seen.’

- Dr Michael Brand

This weekend at MGA you can explore two exhibitions that showcase excellence in Australian photography: the 2018 Bowness Photography Prize and Allusion & Illusion: the fantastical world of Valerie Sparks.

Please join us for the excitement of the Bowness Photography Prize award announcement on Thursday 11 October - you can RSVP here. This night will also be the launch of Allusion & Illusion: the fantastical world of Valerie Sparks.

Allusion & Illusion is the first in a series presented by MGA that profiles and explores the work of William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize alumni. Valerie Sparks won the Bowness Photography Prize in 2016 for her work ‘Prospero's Island – North East’ from the series Prospero's Island (pictured above). This exhibition draws together key works, charting Sparks's significant practice and hinting at the exciting, immersive and innovative installations that will come next.

Announcing our new sponsor:

MGA is pleased to announce HSBC Bank Australia, Glen Waverley Branch as our new sponsor, marking HSBC’s inaugural sponsorship of the arts in Australia. HSBC Bank Australia, Glen Waverley Branch shares our commitment to providing our local community with access to arts and culture, and recognises the unique and important role our organisations play within the global community.

HSBC’s ethos of connecting with both local and international clients’ needs, offering premium banking services, while sponsoring diverse lifestyle activities mirrors MGA’s desire to connect, respond and engage with our audiences. We offer unique experiences as we inspire audiences to delve into photography and explore its richness and diversity.  

Special offer for MGA subscribers from HSBC Bank Australia, Glen Waverley Branch

27 September 2018 to 4 October 2018

HSBC Bank Australia, Glen Waverley Branch offers a dedicated Relationship Manager and one complimentary financial heath check for eligible MGA subscribers. . To book your appointment, please contact HSBC Bank Australia, Glen Waverley Relationship Manager, Peggy Man on 03 9981 7662.  

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Discover more about the fantastical world of Valerie Sparks

3 October 2018

Visit our dedicated microsite for Allusion and Illusion: the fantastical world of Valerie Sparks, and watch as Sparks shares the complex process that sits behind her seductive works. https://www.valeriesparks.mga.org.au/    

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Bowness Photography Prize 2018 | Award announcement

11 October 2018

The Trustees of the MGA Foundation and MGA Director Anouska Phizacklea warmly invite you to the William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize. Join us from 6.30pm as we announce the winner of the 2018 Bowness Photography Prize – who this year will receive $30000 and their work will become part of MGA’s significant collection of Australian photographs – and the three Colour Factory Honourable Mentions. Date: Thursday 11 October 2018 Time: 6.30–8.30pm Winner announce...

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Photobook Club Melbourne meetup

16 October 2018

7-8.30pm at MGA. PBC Melbourne is a social group of photobook lovers, collectors and makers. Our meetups are casual events, chatting and sharing our favourites, hand-made treasures, new purchases or recent borrows from the library!  All welcome, no bookings required. For your diaries! Meet up dates for 2018 February Tuesday 20 February 7-8.30pm April Tuesday 17 April 7-8.30pm June Tuesday 19 June 7-8.30pm August Tuesday 21 August 7-8.30pm October Tuesday 16 October 7-8.30pm December Tu...

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IN ANNA'S GARDEN: Australian practitioners celebrating World Cyanotype Day 2018

11 September 2018 to 21 October 2018

This exhibition aims to provide a glimpse into the rich community in Australia that exists around the cyanotype process. In Anna’s Garden provides an opportunity for cyanotypists to come together and share their work, and to educate the broader community about this historical process that has captured the blue hearts of contemporary artists. This exhibition has been developed by artists Doug Spowart + Vicky Cooper with support from MGA and will be on display in THE ATRIUM: Co...

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William & Winifred Bowness Photography Prize
29 September 2018 to 18 November 2018
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Allusion & Illusion: the fantastical world of Valerie Sparks
29 September 2018 to 18 November 2018
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