Linden New Art

Linden New Art is a public contemporary art gallery in St Kilda, established in 1986 and located on Acland Street. Its programme is centred on mid-career artists, with solo exhibitions that often present new work alongside thematic shows responding to significant issues. The gallery describes its approach as conversation-driven, inviting visitors to engage with contemporary art through different ways of seeing and experiencing the world.

The main gallery programme is complemented by Linden Projects Space, which presents a separate sequence of exhibitions. The listed programme includes Kuweni Dias Mendis’s Running Rivers: People of Place and Eisha’s When We’re Away, with upcoming presentations by Anthea Kemp, Gian Manik and Sarah CrowEST. The gallery has also presented exhibitions spanning painting, collage, printmaking, installation and other contemporary practices, giving visitors a changing reason to return rather than a fixed collection to work through in one visit.

Linden’s work extends beyond exhibitions. Public and education programmes, community activities, online essays and exhibition publications are part of its stated core activities, supporting opportunities to learn, debate and explore. The venue also operates a Linden Workshop Space at the rear of the gallery. This community studio is used for activities including tutored life drawing, painting and craft classes, and includes shared kitchen and toilet access, a large sink, easels, drawing boards, trestle tables and stackable chairs. The space is available for hire, subject to its booking conditions.

With free entry Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm, Linden New Art is suitable for a solo gallery visit, a thoughtful afternoon with friends or a group interested in contemporary art and workshops. Its public and education focus also makes it relevant to families and community groups, although specific activities should be checked before visiting. The gallery acknowledges the Bunurong Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, on whose Country it operates. It is at 26 Acland Street, St Kilda, and is closed on public holidays.