Sydney Contemporary · FIVE Questions with Barry Keldoulis · + WIN A TRIP to the Art Fair with Petaluma!
Creative People
9th September, 2013
‘Zavros' Sunflowers’, oil on canvas, 150 x 165 cm, 2013 by Michael Zavros, exhibiting with Sophie Gannon Gallery at Sydney Contemporary next weekend.
‘Jungle Sharp’, oil on linen, 183 x 167 cm, 2013 by Emily Ferretti, showing with Sophie Gannon Gallery at Sydney Contemporary next weekend.
‘Stop Making Sense’, acrylic and oil on linen, 183 x 230 cm, 2013 by Lara Merrett, exhibiting with Jan Murphy Gallery at Sydney Contemporary next weekend.
Barry Keldoulis - much respected Sydney gallerist and Groups Fairs Director of Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, at Carriageworks in Eveleigh, the location for next weeks' art fair. Photo - Phu Tang.
Ok there are people who 'go away for the weekend', and I must admit I am not one of them. I seriously envy those masters of work-life-balance, who seem able to skip town at every opportunity - you know, those families who pack up the car every second weekend for a camping trip with the kids, or a hike at Wilson's Prom, or totter down to Hobart for an art binge at MONA. I would LOVE to be one of those people, but truth be told, I spend most weekends just catching up with myself... usually doing incredibly boring things like book keeping. I pretty much never leave town unless I really have to. But NEXT WEEKEND I am making an exception!
People, there is something happening in Sydney next weekend which I am VERY excited about, so excited in fact that I will be leaving Melbourne voluntarily for the weekend. The event in question is Sydney Contemporary - Sydney's very first contemporary art fair, to be held at Carriageworks in Eveleigh next Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd September. This much anticipated event has been a long time in coming - it seems unbelievable to me that Sydney hasn't had its own premium art fair before now!
The line up for Sydney Contemporary is as impressive at it is varied - some of the very best established galleries from across Australia are represented, such as Melbourne's Sophie Gannon Gallery, Brisbane's Jan Murphy Gallery and Sydney's Sullivan + Strumpf, but there has also been a real push by the organisers to include promising younger galleries who are on the rise, such as Melbourne's Utopian Slumps and Neon Parc. The result will no doubt mean an inspiring cross section of diverse work, from Australia's most high profile and collectible artists to the emerging 'ones to watch'. Above all, it's an excellent opportunity to see a hell of a lot of amazing new Australian artwork all in one place, and to really just absorb, learn, and, if budget permits, collect!
In an effort to learn a little more about this much anticipated inauguaral event, last week we managed to grab a few moment with Sydney gallerist Barry Keldoulis, who is Group Fairs Director of Sydney Contemporary. With over 30 years experience in the art world in Australia, Barry has a reputation not only for seriously knowing his stuff, but also for being one of the NICEST guys in the business! He is so friendly and down to earth, yet also super high profile within the art world. What an excellent candidate for a mini-interview, we thought... here goes! -
With more than three decades of experience working in the art industry in Australia, we're wondering if you can cast your mind back to how it all started! Can you tell us a little about your own background - how and when did you first become interested in fine art, how did you first enter the industry and what led you to launching your own gallery in the early days?
OMG that first question is a doozy! Could take years to answer, but here goes for a succinct version.
I was engaged as a ‘viewer’ of art, visiting galleries and museums, when I was at High School, but at that time I never really thought about a career in art (or anything else for that matter), and didn’t study art. I did Philosophy, which didn’t really prepare one for the workforce, but, as contemporary art is a marriage of ideas and aesthetics, I’ve discovered it’s not a bad background for art.
I worked various jobs (insurance clerk, mini-bar attendant at the Hyatt, Supervisor of Coney Island at Luna Park) and saved up money to go to New York, where, after an introduction from my friend and gallerist Rex Irwin, I lucked into the job of Private Secretary and Chief of Staff for the honorable Henry Geldazhler, Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for the City of New York. The second half of the title was my idea, and it meant that, as Henry got invited to absolutely everything but, by this time, preferred to go home with his partner and listen to opera and read, I got to deputize! And my friends were the neo-conceptualists, the graffiti artists, and the new gallerists downtown. So it was uptown, downtown and all over town for ten years, and an art education largely by osmosis.
After coming back to Sydney in the mid-nineties, and a stint in the Museum world at Djamu, the Indigenous gallery for the Australian Museum at Customs House, which showcased their Indigenous collections as art of a living culture rather than as artifacts, I worked for blue-chip Sherman Galleries. Having not really worked in the commercial gallery world before it was a real eye opener, and I realized that not only was it the primary generator of income for most artists, but also where all of the different ‘artworlds’ came together. Academics, curators, artists, collectors, the non-collecting public; all came through the gallery. I also became aware of how expensive it is to run a gallery, and how much work it is. No wonder it’s difficult for established galleries to take a punt on young artists. At the same time, hanging out with young art students at their ARIs, I was impressed with the originality and quality of the work. So that’s when I decided to start my own gallery, in a heritage Housing Commission building in Chippendale, to showcase this next generation, and it took off like a rocket.
You closed your gallery earlier this year, much to the disappointment of many loyal fans. Was it a difficult decision to close Gallery Barry Keldoulis after so many years? Did you have a 'master plan' at that time - was Sydney Contemporary always part of the plan?
Sydney Contemporary was part of the plan, in that GBK was going to do it as part of moving to a pop-up and art fair based model. But I was in the process of discussing with the artists what would be the best form of representation for each of them, and many still felt bricks and mortar were for them. And, as a gallerist, over the last few years one has had to acknowledge that more and more of people’s art dollars are being spent at fairs. So when the job offer came along, it didn’t feel like a huge shift, I’m still working ultimately to send money back to artists, and also supporting the gallery model of representation.
How and why did you become involved in Sydney Contemporary? As Groups Fairs Director, what do you hope to achieve with the inaugural event?
Having done Art Hong Kong (now Basel HK) since its inception, I have known Tim Etchells (director of Art Fairs Australia) for years, and he’s always asked why did Sydney not have a premium fair? Well, now the time is right.
Sydney has a strong and growing collector base, coupled with a general rise in engagement with the visual arts; visitation to the MCA has more than doubled I think since the revamp, the Art Gallery of NSW has doubled its floorspace dedicated to contemporary art, and John Kaldor managed to pull thirty thousand to a Performance Art based event! The inaugural Sydney Contemporary will set the bar high for us to vault over with future iterations!
We know its hard to choose favourites amongst such an epic line up (!!), but if you had to highlight just a handful of Australian artists whose work will be represented at the event, whose work are you most excited to see at the event?
You’re right, it’s difficult in my position to play favorites! But I am excited to see the work of younger artists under the same roof as the work of their older colleagues, so that one can see the way art reflects society and the way in which we are all immersed in a world of constant change. For example, the ‘maximalism’ of a young Paul Yore contrasted with the minimalism of a mid-career ADS Donaldson.
When the dust settles after Sept 22nd, what are you most looking forward to?!
Chile! With Australasia, SE and North Asia well covered, we are completing the Pacific Rim feel of the fair this time by bringing over curators and collectors from South and North America, and shortly after Sydney Contemporary I’ll be heading to South America to begin the process of encouraging galleries from the Americas to come to Sydney in 2015. I’m looking forward to the challenge!
WIN A TRIP TO SYDNEY TO ATTEND SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY, THANKS TO PETALUMA!
In an unexpected yet very convenient turn of events, South Australian winery Petaluma, of whom I am a proud ambassador, is also the official Wine Sponsor of Sydney Contemporary! (If you're planning to visit, make sure you visit the Petaluma bar at the event, and enjoy your wander with a glass of beautiful South Australian wine!) I'll also be hosting a special VIP tour for Petaluma at the event, sharing my personal highlights of the fair on Friday 20th Sept.
SO, we thought it would be a such a lovely treat to offer one lucky TDF reader a trip for two to attend Sydney Contemporary next weekend, and to come along to the VIP tour I am hosting. We're thrilled that Petaluma has come to the party, very generously offering one lucky TDF reader the following prize! -
Trip for two people to Sydney Contemporary
· Flights for 2 to Sydney from any Australian capital city (arriving in sydney on Friday, returning on Saturday)
· One nights' accommodation (twin share) at QT Hotel in Sydney on Friday Sept 20th 2013
· VIP Tickets to Sydney Contemporary for two people, and invitation to Lucy Feagins' VIP highlights tour of Sydney Conteporary for Petaluma.
*note - if the winner is from Sydney, no alternative to the flights will be offered, but a night's accomodation is still lovely even in one's home town!
To be in the running to win a trip for two to Sydney Contemporary from Petaluma, simply leave a comment on today’s post before 11.00pm Melbourne time TODAY, Monday September 9th 2013. (*UPDATE: The winner has now been randomly drawn and contacted, congratulations comment 381!)
Please be patient if WordPress struggles to keep up with the entries this morning - if you're not able to leave your comment this morning, please pop back when the rush subsides after lunchtime! One winner will be selected at random and contacted by email tomorrow.
Huge thanks to Petaluma for this very generous prize - I'll be seeing one of you lucky people at Sydney Contemporary next weekend!
And for everyone else, don't fret - Petaluma would love to offer each and every TDF reader a 2-for-1 ticket to Sydney Contemporary, if you're planning to attend. To redeem this 2-for-1 offer, simply email Meticulous@petaluma.com.au today, with 'The Design Files' in the subject heading.
Sounds too good to miss.
Would definitely love to visit!
Sounds like a gorgeous way to spend a weekend.
A weekend away….ahhhh! Please pick me!
Love QT! Yes please
wow! that is so generous… sounds like a fun weekend, i’m in!
Would love the chance to visit Sydney & view this amazing event!
What absolutely stunning art! Love to visit Sydney to see it up close.
Wow, this could be a dream weekend!
What a Devine interlude to have in ones life!! 24hrs of cultural and creative indulgence!! I could only dream!
A great intro to the Sydney Contemporary… Would love to win!
What an awesome trip! Would love to go!
What a lovely prize!
Carriageworks, the perfect location for the Art Fair. Looking forward to it.
Would love this unique opportunity (and could spend the rest of the weekend exploring all the other Sydney TDF highlights).
To view such creative flair and indulge in flawless taste, what a lovely escape, pick me in haste.
Pick me! Pick me!
Marvellous idea and so great to see so many varied artists together
Oh, to be immersed in art for the weekend!
Australian art is very ace
A wonderful weekend treat ……..and so what are the chances? I will think positive thoughts for the rest of the week. Fingers and toes crossed. xx
What a delight that would be!
That would be the best ever!
So thrilled to see visual art in Sydney being embraced and supported. Emerging artists need lots of support and I can’t wait to be immersed in their talent over the weekend, nothing would make me happier!
What an amazing event and opportunity!
Artwork that I have only seen online, alive and in person…sensational
Wonderful! I’m packing my bag right now! Sydney, here I come!
Oh I am like you Lucy, I never get to go away for the weekend sounds fantastic!
sounds great, i’d love to go. :)
Sydney + Lucy Feagins + Sydney Contemporary + QT + Petaluma = my idea of a perfect night away!!! Love Love Love :)
Very much yes please.
An opportunity to see works that I would otherwise only get to view online is super exciting! I’m there whether I win or not :)
The ‘Sydney’s Orchis’ painting is amazing – love it!
OMG! THis would be an amazing oppourtunity to grow this litte seed I have inside of me by having the chance to meet creative, inspiring and ingenious minds!
What a great prize! I would love to win this exciting weekend away!
TDF – to die for! What an excellent prize.
Wow! A weekend away filled with art. I’d love that!
Thanks for a great article… sounds like it will be a fantastic event :-)
Working on my philosophy of the studio essay right now for my masters – would be an inspiring trip indeed – wine in hand and art brilliance on show !
Love your artist profiles in any case keep them coming
Fingers crossed
RT
How exciting would a weekend away NO children just art and more art be! I have my fingers crossed. to be amongst this event would amazing.
What a fabulous opportunity for artists and art lovers! So excited about this event!!
Thanks for a great opportunity to win a wonderful prize.
I love the VB and orchids work, two of my favourite things :)
If these artworks are just a taster, would be in seventh heaven to actually be there. Fantastic prize, goodluck to everybody!
I fly away every morning for 5 minutes before i start the day with you ! but to actually fly away ahhhh wonderful !
Pop me in the competition please. QT is great, and I’d love someone else to be funding my riesling addiction!
Wow, what a fantastic prize, thank you Lucy and Petaluma!!
We love the Julian Meagher and dream about the Zavros!
A great way to see a fabulous collection of artists!
Woooooowwwwwww!! Would love to see this! Thanks for the great post team!
PETALUMA and Sydney Contemporary, wow oh wow! What a pleasure it would be to be invited to sucha prestigious event amongst beautiful guests and incredible artworks.
Love it, packing my bags now!
I could be forced to leave Melbourne with such a great prize :)
Sounds like a great weekend, hope you have a ball Lucy from The Brunswickian
A trip to Sydney would be AMAZING!
My partner has never been to Sydney before, so it would be great if we won to share such an amazing experience together and visit the art fair :)
What an amazing prize to give the gift of experiencing art. I would love to go :)
Josie
Oh Lucy, wowza! Sounds like a weekend in heaven. Pick me ;)
Yes please! What an awesome trip this would be!
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in Sydney!
A weekend in Sydney would be lovely & I promise I would drink plenty of Petaluma to make it worth their while!!
Would love to spend a weekend in Sydney!
I respect Barry greatly as a gallery director and for his curatorial judgment. Having Barry involved tells me that it will be an art fair of a level above the mundane. This is an event I am going to be looking forward too. It will be worth going to. Well done Barry
Pick me, pick me!
Love Sydney, love art, love wine!!
simply amazing! x
Please, pretty please… Would love to see this amazing event.
What an amazing prize! Looks like a great event!
Why not!
Sounds like a great idea.
Thanks
Fabulous fair!…get me there!
wow!
Pick me pick me….
Pretty PRETTY Please!! I would love to visit the fair!
I’m entering on behalf of my mum so if she wins we can have a mother daughter visit to Sydney Contemporary!
it would be delightful to spend a weekend surrounded by glorious art.
My last fortnight has been brutal – any break from work I’ve been asleep, plus my car broke down and the dogs escaped resulting in a call from the ranger on one of the busiest days! I’m hoping Lady Luck has something a little kinder up her sleeve now. A trip to Sydney would almost make it up, I think ;)
I’ve got everything crossed for this one – what an amazing prize! xx
Can I come too?
Lucy you are quite the lucky duck. What a wonderful prize, good luck all. xx
It’s so exciting to see such great support for contemporary art: it’s a tough road and the artists deserve all our support! Fingers crossed for a really successful event, Lucy…
I would love to go
Such a great body of work!
I would love to see that Julian Meagher and all the other gems Sydney Contemporary has to offer!
What a weekend this would be if I won, Swans finals on Saturday teamed with a big dose of art. Heaven!
C O N T E M P O R A R Y A R T W E E K E N D = W I N N I N G A T L I F E
Would love to win this one! super prize!!
Beautiful art!
wow what a gorgeous opportunity
Sounds like an excellent event
We’re going anyway – but would be lovely to have all expenses paid!
Surrounded by inspiring works of art, a vino or two, basking in Sydney weather….yes please!
Very inspiring!
We all need to be reminded how lucky we are in Australia.
Thanks Lucy for alway’s bringing these treasures to your loyal followers.
Love to win this.
Kindest, Caz
Beautiful spot to have Sydney Contemporary, I hope it becomes an annual event! Cant wait to go.
I love ‘Zavros’ Sunflowers’ – the exhibition looks wonderful – what a great prize to win.
How fabulous, we would love to visit
An awesome event , not to be missed.
Would love to win this trip!!!!! Love Emily Ferretti’s work and would love to see it in the flesh!
same lucy on weekend front! be amazing treat, having a chat to you, with a petaluma in hand and visual inspiration….diiiiivinnnne and necessary, oh please!!! x
I am looking forward to visiting and seeing some different work by younger artists. Fresh is best.The article on the fair was enticing.
I look forward to reading The Design Files Daily thank you Lucy. A trip to Sydney Contemporary would be a great birthday present.
Who wouldn’t enter this giveaway?! Will be an amazing gallery!
First time in Sydney & first Art Fair!
Oh Lucy – I would love love love to come along
Stop Making Sense is making so much sense to me this Monday morning. Need weekend away ASAP!!!
oh my goodness, yes! Just what the Doctor ordered.
Would love to be the winner! Please pick me!
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in Sydney…. Pick me please!
What a fantastic giveaway!!!
My girlfriend would love this!
Throwing a hat in the ring… Thanks for running this comp.
Right up my alley, awesome! :)
Art and wine – two of my favourite things in the world.
Oh! Wouldn’t I love to pop to Sydney for a weekend and bathe in contemporary art? I hope it’s me you pick!
Awesome, would love to head south for a bit of culture, pick me ……please
Stunning works Lucy. And well done on this comp. AMAZING!!! Oh, god, fingers and toes crossed, pretty puleeeease!!!!!! Would love to go. Single mother abandons young children for a beautiful art-filled, sunny weekend in Sydney filled with art, cocktails and joy. Oh yes.
Oh please oh please oh please!!!!! This looks absolutely amazing! Such an incredible prize! What a way to spend a weekend!
And the winner is…. Sydney (and me)!
Thank you for this article. I am already greatly inspired as I am at the beginning of creating what I hope will be a sucessful collection of artworks :-)
This would be brilliant, I definitely need some guidance when shopping for art (and a trip to sydney definitely wouldn’t go astray)!
looks great
I love that ‘Sydney’s Orchis’ piece – beautiful, elegant and delicate orchids nestled in what my husband calls VB.. “cans of anger” – oh the IRONY. PS: awesome getaway giveaway!
Looks like an amazing show :)
I have a mother who is an artist…creative & a little crazy I might add…
I grew up surrounded by art and visited many Sydney exhibition’s – it was rad.
However, I doubt any will be as good as this one
Finally a premium art fair..Sydney, our time has come!
With Barry Keldoulis running the show – this one will be hard to beat…
And if I win tickets it would be the ultimate treat!
My dream weekend, immersed in inspirational contemporary art…perhaps I could bring 1 (or more) home.
Would love to win this one, sounds awesome:)
Can’t imagine a better way to spend a weekend!
This looks fantastic! Placing my name in the draw!
Thankya!
Sounds like fun.
YAY!…more knowledge and information about inspirational artists to pass on to our clients and their projects. Soaking up some Sydney sunshine would also be fabulous!!!
Pick me! Pick me!
Like you I spend most weekends just getting over the week that was and preparing for the curve balls ahead. To be able to actually have an entire weekend indulging in art and being inspired by all the talent around us would be nothing short of a miracle. As a weekend artist and being married to one, this may be just the kick start we need to pick up a brush more often.
Will be keeping my fingers crossed for this one!!! What an awesome excuse for taking leave from work. It would almost be rude NOT to purchase some art in this situation!
Oh wow! I’ve never been to Sydney (I’ve only recently moved back to Australia) so this would be a great opportunity to see some beautiful art and a beautiful city.
Oooh, yes! We would love to go flying from Melbourne. Crossing my fingers!
A weekend away would be fabulous- my partner and I may even find a piece to bring back to our renovation-in-progress! Fingers crossed!
Sounds like a wonderful weekend! Yes please!
My husband and I would love this trip to see wonderful art!
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend. Art, food, wine, Sydney, TDF = a few of my favourite things!!!
sounds like a dream.
OMG what a dream prize!!! Would absolutely love to win. May even leave the baby at home!!! Fingers crossed
great to hear of the new Sydney art fair..and l’d love to go.the only
way l can is to win this competion! fingers crossed x
yes please! what a great trip
I would *love* to visit Sydney Contemporary and meet Lucy!
HI
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE choose me!!!!
I would really love to go
LOVE BELYNDA xxxx
YES PLEASE!!! A SYDNEY ART BINGE!!!!!
Oh wow that is so exciting for Sydney! I would love to be able to attend!!
IS ART. IS GOOD.
Wow now that is a great prize, the art is sensational
Oh I would love to take either my husband or my best friend to this – they would have to fight for it!!
Looks stunning! Any opportunity to indulge in art is good with me :)
Oh my, yes please! xx
I would love to take my 9 year old daughter down as she is a budding artist.
yes please!
A creative , cultural weekend away? Yes please xx
Oooohhhh …. Sounds exciting! Great to see utopian slumps are going.
What a delightful two days that would be… Art, design, style and Sydney!
Hello from Perth!!!! Would LOVE to attend the Contemporary Art Show in Sydney. x
Trying, trying to post a comment and having trouble…. hoping you’ll allow for that and a time difference!
x
Puh-Puh-Puh-LEAAASSSEEE pick me.
Whoa TDF team, I didn’t think this was possible, but you have out done yourselves again!
Yes please!
Such a wonderful event for Sydney! About time!
I am an illustrator and graphic designer myself, so would absolutly love the opportunity to win this amazing weekend away in beautiful Sydney, to experience and be inspired by other creative individuals including yourself TDF. What an incredible prize. xx
Love TDF. Love Sydney Contemporary. Thanks to you both. Let’s hope this is a winner. Perhaps 160. is a lucky number. Thanks, Lucy & Petaluma !!
An amazing prize! I love that Michael Zavros work included in your post. I was lucky enough to see him speak at the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane a couple of years ago and have followed his work since then – he is so talented!
Sounds like an amazing way to spend a weekend. What a great opportunity! x
Oh. Yes please!!! Sounds like the perfect way to spend the weekend!
Would love to go!
Such an amazing opportunity, especially for a hopeful student aspiring to become an interior designer
Wow. What a great way to spend a weekend.
Pick me! Pick me!
Oh Petaluma be still my beating heart, how I ache for your liquid gold Riesling. Contemporary art and sexy as hell Vino. Surely it is love!
the exhibition looks amazing – what a fabulous prize
Would love love love to go!
Would love to check this out!
How exciting.
Oh ho, yes please! Two days of design and Sydney, can’t get any better! Amazing!!
love an arty weekend in Sydney! Fingers crossed :))
Sydney’s Spring weather and Contemporary Art, a perfect combo.
too fast to post!! I try again…..
i’d love to go to this x
What an incredible prize! Perfect timing for a little holiday and bundles of inspiration right at the tip of wedding season kicking off again! Don’t mind if I do ladies ;)
Would just love to win a trip to see some of my Favourite
Artists like Lara Merrett in a fresh and exciting new design context!
Want to see art in Sydney!
Love art, love Sydney….put me in the draw please :)
pick me! pick me!
This is what dreams are made of! Wining this would make me cry happy tears:’)
I’ve never been to Sydney. What a great intro this would be..!
What a dream. Thanks for another great giveaway!
love an arty weekend in Sydney! Fingers crossed :))
What a magic prize. TDF has outdone itself!
Hats off to Mr Keldoulis and Petaluma
Beautiful paintings by Julian would love to see the other artists’ works. Sublime prize!
What an inspirational weekend this would be!
Would absolutely luuurrrrrrvveee the chance to attend such a fantastic event!!!!
Sydney Contemporary and Melbourne Now seems a good combination.
It all sounds incredible! TDF you have absolutely outdone yourself yet again. Also, that VB artwork is perfection.
Ooh yes, what a lovely way to spend the weekend! A little art-filled getaway would be divine.
Raaa.
What a wonderful prize! Thank you TDF and Petaluma!
Oh yes, please! Sounds like a wonderful weekend, plus I LOVE a chance to visit Sydney!
Wowee.. I am in Sydney and would love this staycation at QT and the cultural VIP TDF quest at Sydney Contemporary… Pick me please!!
i’d love to experience this ….all the art and beautiful sydney. please please pick me!
I would love love love this opportunity to ogle beautiful art in stunning Sydney.
Oh, wouldn’t it be lovely to see the Sydney Contemporary!
This would be AMAZING! I would love the chance to visit Sydney for this experience.
Sounds absolutely amazing – I’d love to go!
oh my goodness. THE BEST giveaway!
Oh I would adore this prize. Amazing competition idea.
I especially love the last work in this post by Julian Meagher – stunning! How special to have the chance to see it in the flesh.
love it
looks like a great show!
What a treat it would be to go to this!
This would be a totally divine weekend! Whoever gets to go is one lucky human!!
Yes I envy people too who just flit away for a weekend up the mountain or to a festival somewhere! With 3 young kids it’s a mamouth effort to get anywhere but for somethings it’s so worth it! Art is one :)
Alcohol and orchids – this is the ultimate art fair! I am picturing my suitcase packed full of amazing artwork……
Thanks for a great blog it is always a pleasure to read…and the opportunity to enter to go to Sydney Contemporary, what a treat for whoever wins it!
What an incredible giveaway! A week in Sydney surrounded by beautiful art!
I’m putting my hand up!! Sounds lovely.
Sounds like a dream weekend! And I just have to mention – how beautiful is that Lara Merrett painting…
Art & wine & Sydney – oh my! Possibly the perfect weekend away.
Oooh yes please…in desperate need of art fix/holiday :) xx kat
I’m in desperate need of some culture like this! Oh please let it be me!!
WOW!
Looks amazing! I would love to check it out.
What a wonderful giveaway! There are so many exciting artists at work in Austalia at the moment – I love that you are offering a chance to be immersed in an experience like this!
Definitely worth leaving Melbourne for!
Amazing prize!! And I LOVE that winery!!! x
I can’t think of a more lovely weekend right now. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity!
This is my first visit to your site – I’d love to win even though I’m only freshly loyal – Your site is awesome! I’ll be back again for sure! :-) Linda
A weekend away in Sydney looking at contemporary art would be just the thing to usher in Spring! What a fantastic prize.
I love a random weekend away, my lovely partner organised one a few months ago and it was fabulous – with his birthday coming up soon it’s high time we took another, and he would love wine and art in Sydney!
art as the intersection of aesthetics and ideas … and the commercial element that is so important to keep artists afloat = art fair
It would be great to visit beautiful Sydney and see some wonderful art … but mostly I’d love to see my sister who’s just endured a terrible operation … and I can’t afford to fly up. It would be amazing to surprise her with a big hug!
That would be a lovely weekend away!
Barry Kesouldis is a fascinating gentleman! What an interesting life. Sydney Contemporary sounds like it will be a phenomenal event.
Sounds wonderful. Would love to go.
What a wonderful prize and a wonderful event!!! Would love to win :)
Would love to win!
Sydney Contemporary sounds like a wonderful opportunity for submersion, education and celebration of our extraordinary art scene. For the time poor (who don’t get to do weekends away) its so hard to get a broad overview of what’s happening. Emerging artists beside established artists in a proper bricks and mortar setting – what a rich experience.
OH my! What an amazing prize!! Yes please :)
Congrats for Barry, Petaluma and Sydney, lovely to visit you 1st Contemporary Art Show.
AHHHH YES PLEASE!
oh please pick me !!!!
Sounds fabulous, would love to be there! But failing that will be watching from afar.
Amazing, how exciting this would be! Could not think of a better, more inspiring weekend away to surprise my partner with as a thanks for all the artistic inspiration he gives me. AH, just picturing it now.
To see the Sydney Contemporary up close and personal and a night out with my hubby would be 2 dreams in one. Lucy. You’re a gem.
Pretty please!
Would absolutely love to go!
Yes & yes.
The though of winning this makes me want to cry with joy! What an incredible opportunity!
Pick me!
Thanks for the story, this is the second article I’ve read about this today and the first I knew about it! But maybe I’m living in a design bubble! :)
This country girl would love the opportunity to attend the Sydney Contemporary and just enjoy looking ART .
Trying again – comment denied first time round! Yes please!
What a fantastic idea!
An art attack!
Dip me in fat and call me a chip! Sydney Contemporary looks amazing!
Fantastic prize indeed!
Ooh yes please!
I would travel anywhere for art’s sake – and with a Sydney sleepover and a Petaluma tipple in the mix as well, this prize sounds like my idea of heaven.
Oh gawd I would so love to win this! Thanks for the chance Lucy!
WOW!!! :D
Imagine the brownie points I could get if I win this for my wife!
What a fascinating career / life path Barry Keldoulis has taken.. I admire his enterprise and imagination!
And LOVE the artwork by Lara Merrett – just beautiful.
Oh! This would be a dream come true! Escape for a weekend AND get to go to the fair? Brilliant. Fingers’ crossed!!
Yes please!
Please Please Please a weekend in Sydney veiwing art – just what I need
Too good to be true!!!
fantastic city, fantastic art – win win!
This sounds so inspiring, I would love to attend!
What an amazing prize- I would love to win!
Count me in like Flynn. Thanks heaps for the opportunity, Lucy.
A break to see such a fine city and amazing art – wonderful!
Love that city – love that art – all things crossed!
Would love to be chosen to attend.
What a fantastic event for Sydney!
This is fantastic, was very interesting reading about how the art world has changed, and the career path Barry has taken.
Would be ever so grateful if I won this giveaway!!
What a generous prize it looks amazing the winner will be one very happy person! Of course i hope that winner is me :0)
amazing! yes please!
Such an inspiring story of success…
Looks great!
A spring weekend in Sydney, how exciting!!
what mind blowing artworks! would love the opportunity to win.. thank you
Oh, I would just love to win this prize…
Wow, what a wonderful event!
Sounds like the perfect Fri/Sat getaway!
love the colours! so beautiful!!
contemporary art is lacking in my state. a weekend of culture and VIP treatment would be awesome
ooh! what a fun treat, would be lovely to head away for the weekend :)
Love to visit the art fair – awesome!
290 is my LUCKY NO!!!
Would love to see Sydney,and the amazing artwork in sydney!!!
Great interview, Great art, and Great Riesling!
291 bringing it home!
Great to hear about another Art event being established… Love the ethos outlined by Barry, whose passion hasn’t compromised his desire to maximise returns to hard working artists. A wonderful outlook, indeed!
Sydney. Great weather.
This sounds like my perfect weekend away sans baby.
Awesome x
What a treat! Another amazing giveaway Luce XX
It would be a dream to attend this event, especially to see Emily Ferretti’s work in the flesh!
What a great exhibition… and prize!
How lovely it would be to win from Perth x
I love it all
Sounds like an amazing experience!
Would love to visit Sydney Contemporary, and enjoy some Sydney sunshine!!
Wow, Beautiful. Good luck to all.
It’s important to appreciate art – especially under a new Conservative government; art might become an endangered species :(
A great prize. Can not go by without leaving a comment. Good luck to all and especially the winner.
Rocking art and rocking prize. Thanks TDF and Petaluma
Good luck to all. Such a lovely interview and prize.
LOVING SYDNEY SPRING FESTIVALS
Next project for Barry Keldoulis… Perth Contemporary!!
Awesome sauce!
Wow. Sounds like it will be an amazing event. I would love the opportunity to attend
oh, how nice it would be to visit Sydney! x
What an exciting getaway; culture, luxury & no kids !!
Would love the opportunity to attend this event
a little bit of inspiration to go a loooooong way!
Sign me up.
A NIGHT AWAY IN SYDNEY AND THE CONTEMPORARY, HOW FANTASTIC WOULD THAT BE!!
Ooooh….the ultimate weekend of inspiration and appreciation! X
Two ladies from an ARI in Perth could so use these tickets! Have fun on your weekend!
Would love to experience this!
OMG!!! Too exciting!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity TDF!
I would LOVE to go and be inspired!
Totally amazing and generous TDF and Petaluma – fingers crossed and thank you! XX
Yes Please!!!!!!
Would love to win this!
we’re friends right?
I’d love to take my mum…. I owe her (for a 10 day babysitting stint) and a girls weekend sound like the perfect pay back!
Lucky number 328
Bendigo’s hard to leave too! But a flying visit to the Emerald City to see some terrific contemporary art would be worth the effort!
Yes, yes, yes – I’d love to be a weekend away person for a weekend!!
*Hands up in the air* Pick me! Pick me! :)
LOVE to go to Sydney…
An art fair! Sounds like the perfect treat for my inspiring Dad. He instilled his love of art in me, now its my turn to share my love of wine! What beautiful generous people TDF are associated with!
Really looking forward to seeing Julian Meagher’s works and a staycation in Sydney would top it all off!
Please please please!!! Would make up for the weekend we just had!!
An art fair with a guided tour by yourself and a stay in Sydney, wow what a weekend treat that would be. I love that someone is taking risks to expose young up and coming artists with those more experience, what an extravaganza for us all.
A weekend immersed in strikingly beautiful contemporary art and a taste of the best vintage wines, what more can one ask for?
Thanks Lucy & Petaluma for running this fantastic comp!
Wow, what a fantastic weekend! I would adore this so much, xx
It took me 41 years to drink & enjoy wine; thanks Petaluma Pinot Gris xx
oooh! such enjoyment waiting to be had!
Art and wine – a perfect match
please please please!!!
ohhh a weekend in Sydney .. away … I wish!
Dream weekend = art + wine + Sydney
Sweeeeeeeet!
Amazing artwork.
Weekend inspiration!!! :)
Gorgeous, fabulous, divine!
Very nice pairing. Excellent.
Sounds like a perfect way to spend a weekend!
Yes please!
Oh, I just love the use of the VB bottle!
What a fabulous weekend away, we have been dying to get to Sydney for years and funnily enough to view art! What an amazing competition! Love TDF
art and sydney in one weekend! Yes!
Amazing artwork!
Ooooooooooh yeah! Lemme at it!!!!
Wow! Yes please sounds amazing
Exactly what the Dr ordered for me – a trip away, and some contemporary art to purchase with birthday money I’ve had for art for almost 2 years!
Fab prize and good to see Sydney is having an art fair at last :)
358, lucky number 358. fingers and toes!
Wow! What a beautiful way to experience art – and in such an amazing space like Carriageworks!
incredible painting and incredible prize!
Would adore an art weekend!
Oh yeh!!! ;) x
Dear Design Files,
It would be amazing to win such a great prize, I also rarely get to go away at weekends, but to go and see fabulous contemporary art in Sydney would be the best – a massive huge treat.
Wow wow wow :)
X
Wow amazing prize. Winning would be a dream…
What dream weekend this would be!
This would work for me…yes please!
Yes please!!!!! I’d love nothing more than to get away for the weekend and get to hang out xxx
Pick me!!!! Paaaleeeese:)
what an amazing weekend away! to be so lucky!
What a lovely weekend away prize this would be….Sydney and Contemporary art…amazing!
thanks for fabulous giveaway TDF
I would love to win this prize….pick me!!!
Love love loooooove!
Oh what a dream! A night away – leaving 2 kids at home, drinking Petaluma, and a TDF tour at Sydney Contemporary! – All within a month of our 10th wedding anniversary! A seriously gorgeous, inspiring combination.
Awesome prize!
Beautiful works by Julian Meagher. LOVE a trip to see them in real life
Now I was positive I entered this today but I can’t see my post anywhere.
A whirlwind weekend away and art … what more could you want?
Sounds like a dream. Yes please!!
This sound like a fantastic trip have everything crossed Im the lucky one
What a dream trip!!
Ooh if only I lived in a capital city! Looks like a road trip next week :)
Wow Lucy such a great prize. Cross fingers !
What a gift this would be! Art and Sydney all in one….perfect!
sigh.. wow.
would LOVE to win, thanks for the chance! a week before my birthday too XD fingers crossed! x
My boyfriend won me a prize at an Indian meditation event last week and I would love to take him to the fair! I’m an artist and work part time in a gallery. It would be really grand, good luck to all who enter.cool bananas!. Xo
Me me me! Please.
Sounds like a fantastic event! I’d love to go to be inspired and motivated all over again!
Wow, what an amazing prize! How lucky to win it just with a simple comment. Hope I’m the lucky one! :)
SO excited about the fair – what an amazing lineup! Thanks for organising such a generous opportunity. Fingers crossed! x
Please don’t take this comment out of context.
Art + Sydney + Weekend, makes me feel as dreamy as ‘Sydney’s Orchis’!
i uh needzzz cultureeee ya know what im sayen tho i aint got no cheddar a low riding experience to art show would give me culture to stop being a white boiiii wanna be gangtarrrrr jahhhhhh feeeeeelllll
Sounds like a magical weekend away!
It’s my boyfriend’s birthday tomorrow, this would make a nice birthday present… hint, hint!
Eish!!! This sounds awesome.
Would love this!
Great interview!! Love how finally Sydney is starting to be seen as a serious contender for contemporary art. I’m sure it’ll be amazing! Have fun!! P.s I would so love to see this xxm
I would love to breathe in this opportunity and exhale inspiration for my future.
What a treat! I have been daydreaming about a trip to Sydney…….
Weekend away? What is that? I have friends with 3 kidlets that get away more than me! And I only have 1!! What fabulous event, I would love to win and whisk my hubby away for the weekend!
What a great weekend It will be!
This is what dreams are made of
Would love this!
this is exactly what i need right now. fingers crossed
Would love to win this trip and soak up the inspiration
All fingers and toes crossed!!
Looks like a wonderful exhibition :) fantastic works of art!
Gorgeous works. Great prize!
If chosen I promise to share the experience when I return term four with my students. Teachers need to eat so they can feed. ;)
WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO what a hoot this would be!!! x
Would love to win and take my wife!
For art’s sake!
Beautiful art, amazing wine, in a gorgeous city, what a perfect weekend. . .
Would love the opportunity to see this.
Beautiful Sydney, delicious wine and visual delights! Perfect!
Awesome prize Lucy!
Ppppp..ppp.ppp…please! Amazing!
Fingers crossed FTW!!!
Oh my goodness! Pick me please!
So much happiness and inspiration in a single weekend? Like a dream coming true!
Rare to find a perfect gift, like winning this, for my wife.
yeeeeeeeeeeah…want
The pleasure would be all mine…
Oh yay, this is fabulous!
I’ve started packing. Is that presumptuous?
I live near Carriageworks and this is the first I have heard of this event! Thanks so much Lucy for never failing to keep me in the loop. Next weekend just got a whole lot better.
Wow…I would so love this.
I’d love a good weekend break to Sydney! What a great giveaway – thanks everyone!
Brilliant prize! My walls need this trip!
Well yes please. I’ll happily take that thank you very much.
I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. Claude Monet
would love to go to Sydney to see some art!
Great to see art (slowly) being brought to the forefront of Sydney culture. Really looking forward to the fair!
What an amazing giveaway! Love!
I have worked all weekend for 3 months! What a perfect break this would be.
Just moved back from the uk and desperately need something pretty for the walls of my new apartment. Would love love love this trip. It’s so nice to be back in Australia.
What a lovely giveaway. Would love to attend this art fair.
How generous! And a wonderful opportunity to catch up with some Sydneysider friends too.
just fabulous
sb x
Pick me!! Pick me… X x
Weekends away are definitely something I always say I need to do more, but alas never do! x
This would feel like a dream. A truley amazing prize.
Ah this is incredible! I dream of a walking tour with you! You have a special ability to make art and design accessible! Xo
Artmazing!
What a delightful, integrated prize – each facet is interesting and thought provoking!
I’d love to share my experience with my friends, family and my social network.
Thanks TDF x
Colour me happy!!!
A melbournite in search of a get away in Sydney!
Sounds like a fantastic weekend, I’d love to see this!
Please and thank you Lucy!
please please please pick me !!!
I love anything to do with art and design and so this would such a cool prize! THANKYOU for opportunity!
That is some beautiful artwork there!
After reading 446 comments, i’m not feeling so confident of winning this prize BUT i’d really love the opportunity to get a contemporary art fix – you see I live in Darwin and am a bit starved….
You’re right, an event like this in Sydney is well overdue!
I’ll take one ‘Sydney orchids’ thanks.
Oh me oh my. What a wonderful prize!!
Gorgeous!
I’m a 21 year old aspiring artist and this would be amazing. Pairing my two favourite things art and sydney!!
Weekend delight!
Looks amazing, would love to be there.
Hope I’m not too late – would die for a weekend in Sydney with my hubby
Woah! What a prize.
Super Sydney! Would be amazing to see this.
Please send me! I’m living in an art drought, dying of thirst! x
Good to see the arts receiving more mainstream press… Support local artists + galleries!
Go forth and be fabulous! OXO
Love Art & Love Sydney .
PICK ME PLEASE, LUCY! (Said whilst wildly waving hand and jumping up and down). I couldn’t think of a better weekend away to come at a better moment! That painting is absolutely DEVINE and the weekend away sounds too good to be true! Xx my fingers are tightly crossed!
I just recently took up interior design at night school and feel at times I have made the wrong decision doing something I feel I love because I don’t wear arty clothes or hang out down the street drinking coffees all day. It’s nice to read about someone else with a lack of confidence but a passion and drive to move on. I think that’s what really matters.
OOOOOH! Yes please! I do so love Julian Meagher, and a weekend in Sydney would be just FAB! x
Oh my goodness! Would Love :)
Love the Zavros! Would also love a chance to see the fair!
Ohh i would love this!
Wow, what an awesome gift! How does it get any better than that?!!
How fantastic! Enjoy your weekend away.
Gotta be in it to win it right?! x
Um… yes please!! What an awesome prize!
Sounds amazing to meeee! Fingers crossed
WOW! as an aspiring artist this would be a dream opportunity…absolutely love these pieces xx
What lovely paintings!
Amazing artwork! I’m in love with that painting by Lara Merrett.. looks like watercolours rather than oil and acrylic. Stunning.
Sounds lovely! Art and wine, yes please!
Sounds like an amazing weekend, fingers crossed!!
Yes please!!!!!
Just amazing event. This can be my only chance to visit Sydney anytime soon. So excited!
Absolutely amazing work, would be really incredible to see beyond this bunch of pixels.
Pick me!! Pick me!!! Please? #haveagreatday :)
Sounds like an awesome event. Would love to go in the running.
Just saw the last tweet… Sneaking in with minutes to go. Great location, great weekend.
Sigh! A trip to Sydney and surrounded by incredible art! Yes please.
Would love to win this AMAZING prize… fingers and toes crossed!
What a great trip! :)
Yes, would love to go for this art fair, and it would be awesome to have a stay in the city as well, as it takes ages to go to the city from the Sydney suburb where I live.
1 in 500 shot of winning, I like those odds.
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the weekend!
A weekend of art sounds wonderful!
Oh my oh my! This is just petaliciously perfect! I’d so love to be there and be eternally estounded!
Yes please! I’d love a weekend of art!
Would love to see some Australian contemporary art in Sydney & share with all my FB & Instagram friends to make them jelly
Ahh to be submerged into a total creative space for the weekend … Absolute bliss! Conspire Universe! Thanks Lucy at the very least for the awesome dream!
Feed my eyes. x
Haven’t been to Sydney in years! Would love an art-filled jaunt.
Very exciting for Sydney. Would be a fantastic experience. Thanks for the opportunity to participate.
Jodi
Just saw this ! As an emerging artist studying for my Diploma in painting ai would LOVE to go to this wonderful event.
That acrylic and oil though? Perfect
Sounds absolutely amazing!!!
Sitting on my packed suitcase waiting eagerly, ready to be immersed in contemporary art.
Incredible, as always.
Brilliant – would love to go! Hope i just got in on time!
Yes. Please.
What an amazing opportunity!!
… Timing is everything… the time is absolutely ripe for exploring sydney/art/galleries/making new friends/contacts. Perfect next natural step on my adventure… it makes sense :)
Xxxbb
Oh, this would be divine!!! Would love to win a weekend away x
Oh how fabulous! I have been planning to take a trip up to Sydney – it’s been ages! And what an excuse this would be… !
Beautiful! Love the orchards! Great post DF!
Please please be me!!!
Lucy by name, Lucy by nature.
both Lucy’s love art, for they are twins at heart!
Lucy F gives Lucy P a night at the QT,
thank God Lucy P lives in Sydney
for that the travel is free
so that she is not all talk, Lucy F takes Lucy P for art walk
Lucy P is forever thankful to Lucy F !
amen
I wish for this weekend away!!!!!
I’m probably too late but please pick me!
A feast for the eyes!! A wonderful way to spend a night in Sydney x
Phenomenal use of colours – absolutely love this work!!!
This would be a miracle. But miracle happens, right? ;o)
Wow, what an amazing prize. As always too late in the Wild West
Wow what a wonderful treat for one lucky fan
This would be AMAZEBALLS!!!!
I would love this so much, on so many levels – I need this, it would be utterly amazing. Carriageworks is such a great venue to hold this event, and I would love to be part of this event history for Sydney.
My favourite city to visit and fantastic contemporary art. Perfection.
amazeballs!
that is all.
x
Yippee!
What a great prize – Sydney sunshine and art ! Fabbo!
This is such a fantastic prize! Would love to attend to learn more about what’s happening in Australia’s vibrant art scene :)
That sounds so good!
Sounds amazing!
I need to purchase 3 pieces of art now, need inspiration .
Julian Meagher; a great artist and a great doctor. Too talented!
Can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday weekend.
What a perfect weekend!
Terrific!! Would love to go and check it out.
I really like your blog.. very nice colors &
theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for
you? Plz respond as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where
u got this from. kudos