The Blackroom.
An intimate exhibition space presenting a changing program of contemporary Australian artists.
(2026 calender is full, proposals for 2027 are now being considered)
Since 2019, the Blackroom at Cook Street Collective has presented exhibitions by artists from across Australia. We are now taking the next step in developing the space as a distinctive, curated exhibition program. Bringing together emerging, mid-career and established artists whose work responds particularly well to the character and intimacy of the Blackroom.
Located within Cook Street Collective in Flinders on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Blackroom is a small, atmospheric exhibition space with black walls, controlled lighting and a highly focused viewing environment. Its scale lends itself to considered solo and duo exhibitions, as well as tightly curated group projects.
We will present a dynamic program of contemporary painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles and other considered forms of art practice, with an emphasis on strong ideas, quality work and artists with something distinctive to contribute.
The annual program includes invited exhibitions, curated group shows, a Cook Street Collective members exhibition and a selection of exhibitions arising from proposals received through our open application process. We particularly welcome proposals from artists who are not currently represented by a gallery in Victoria, although this is not an absolute requirement.
Artists, curators and groups are invited to submit proposals for consideration.
The Blackroom exhibition committee reviews proposals as part of the annual program planning process. Every submission will be acknowledged, with proposals generally taking up to four weeks to review.
If you have an exhibition proposal that you believe would work particularly well in this space, we would love to hear from you. Applications are accepted via the online proposal form ….
THE BLACKROOM EXHIBITION PROGRAM / DETAILS
12+ exhibitions annually | Three-week exhibitions | Curated program
The Space:
The Blackroom is an intimate exhibition space measuring approximately 470cm x 315cm, with 12.6 metres of hanging wall space.
The space features black-painted plaster and brick walls, a white plaster ceiling and polished concrete floor, with professional track lighting and a gallery hanging system. Plinths are available where required, and installation is undertaken by the Cook Street Collective team. Each exhibition also has access to the Blackroom’s street-facing window, with space for one artwork of up to 1.6 metres wide, together with window vinyl for exhibition identification and promotion.
Exhibitions:
Exhibitions run for three weeks.
The annual program is curated by the Cook Street Collective exhibition committee and includes invited exhibitions, curated group exhibitions, a Cook Street Collective members exhibition and selected proposals received through the open application process. Artists are not required to invigilate their exhibition.
What we provide:
• Professional installation and de-installation
• Gallery hanging system and track lighting
• Plinths where required
• Exhibition signage
• Promotion through the Cook Street Collective mailing list and social media
• PDF exhibition catalogue
• Exhibition listing and works available through the Cook Street Collective website
• Gallery invigilation
• Optional opening event, generally held on the first Saturday of the exhibition
• Support and advice from the Cook Street Collective team
Cost and commission:
The Blackroom is a curated program. Artists are selected for inclusion in the program.
A $400 + GST exhibition fee applies to confirmed exhibitions.
Cook Street Collective retains 40% commission on all artwork sales.
The fee/commission enables us to provide professional gallery presentation, promotion, administration, sales support and ongoing operation of the exhibition program.