Bourdonnais by Fleur Delesalle

Donostia San Sebastián by Estudio Iñigo Iriarte

Somerville House by Fiona Lynch Office

Milan Penthouse by Thomas Zangaro for est living

Villa Pineda by Humbert & Poyet

Lost Profile Gallery by Nickolas Gurtler

KS Residence by Frederik Dierckxsens for estliving.com

Bondi Penthouse by Lawless and Meyerson for est living

Villa Junot by Claves Architecture for est living

Howatson Company by Those Architects and Smart Design Studio

Artbank: 45 years of investing in Australian art

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Artbank’s continues to uplift Australian contemporary art to the benefit of both artists and art lovers.

Left to right by: John Mawurndujul Pat Bassington, Bronwyn Oliver, Patricia Piccinini

Honey Long: Body Orbit 2015

Graeme Altmann: Low Tide II

During Melbourne’s Open House 2025 I was like a kid in a candy store, among visitors sliding out racks of salon-hung works, all safely stored at Artbank. An exhibition continuously in motion, each rack revealed new gems. In discovering (often early) works from now renowned Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian artists, I found myself learning a little about the institution and its ambition too.

An arm of the Australian Government Office for the Arts, Artbank has a unique way of promoting contemporary Australian artists. Artworks are curated to be enjoyed serendipitously, outside the prestige of a museum or gallery. They are leased to everyday locations, an offering to the broader public’s eye. The collection of over 10,000 works can be found in corporate offices, government buildings, private homes or — providing an accelerated path to international recognition for artists — on the walls of embassies in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Annual fees cycle from payment of one artwork, to reinvestment in the next, supporting Artbank’s expanding collection and curatorial capacity.

As a collector, Artbank has a unique emphasis on being at the frontline, seeking out emerging and mid-career artists, providing a dose of validation and exposure when it’s needed most. The curatorial team keeps their eyes peeled across primary market sources, from commercial galleries and prizes to art centres. They also wade through submissions from artists, offering a direct line to those otherwise unrepresented.  

On the 8 August 2025 (until October) Artbank Melbourne’s exhibition space brought to life a 45-year anniversary exhibition. Featuring the likes of Howard Arkley, Pat Bassington, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori and Patricia Piccinini, selected works represent the breadth of the collection that has now been compiled into a celebratory publication, launched on the night. The exhibition hints at the leg-up Artbank has given many of Australia’s now most famous internationally recognised artists, and the value in investing in arts programs through sustained, decades-long government support. 

 So, what will the next 45 years hold? A nod to its evolving relevance, Artbank is collaborating with Melbourne International Film Festival, with sculptural works on show at cinemas in a cross-pollination of cultural talents. 

With one hand, Artbank heroes artists who may otherwise struggle to emerge in a competitive and sometimes luck-based industry. With the other, it extends the reach of art by gifting it to the public who may otherwise never think to seek it out. Harnessing art’s ability to garner boldness and empathy, Artbank’s role remains crucial in showcasing thought-provoking joys from contemporary Australian artists.

MW Wines by Maher Design

Publisher Hardie Grant's Melbourne workplace by Carr for Interiors, Au

Billie Civello for Interiors, Au

Lachlan Vasic for Interiors, Au

Jess Humpston for Interiors, Au

Amy Vidler for Interiors, Au

Interiors, AU: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth venues by FK

LEO: The first 90 years

Leo Christie’s life story brings together insights from his meandering and successful career, Greek heritage, enduring friendships and family life for an inspiring read that is brimming with wisdom. This document was developed with notes and resources provided by Leo, extensive interviews with him, and comprehensive research, before being edited and approved Leo.

Testimonial: "What started as a discussion after dinner one evening has turned into a lovely experience with Caitlin documenting my life story. On that evening my wife’s sister, brother-in-law, and Caitlin asked about my life, to which I spoke for about an hour and a half. To my surprise, my sister-in-law said, ‘You should document this Leo!' Subsequently, Caitlin helped me document my story. Over the years I had started to write notes about my history through various attempts. Caitlin flew from Melbourne to Sydney on several occasions to conduct further interviews and review the structure she had pieced together with my notes. During interviews my recollections were discussed expanded and thoroughly documented. Caitlin’s documentation of my story is very impressive and I have found this process a wonderful experience. I have remembered lots that thought I had forgotten: events worth mentioning that otherwise would have remained forgotten. I have very little knowledge of my father‘s past. I did not ask questions while he was with us. My advice to everyone would be to ask your parents or other living relatives questions about your family's past which will be forgotten unless documented. Without Caitlin‘s drive, patience and intelligent comments my story would never have been told.”

Leo’s life story was developed into a 60-page document detailing the first 90 years of his life, accompanied by relevant photography. If you have a life story you would like told, I have various approaches and can tailor the process to your needs and budget.

Interiors, AU: Walker Street Precinct