MARS Gallery

About

[MARS] Melbourne Art Rooms (otherwise known as MARS Gallery) was opened in February 2004 by Andy Dinan and has quickly earned a reputation as one of Melbourne's most exciting and diverse commercial art spaces.

Story

MARS [Melbourne Art Rooms] is a commercial contemporary art gallery specialising in exhibiting, promoting and building the careers of contemporary Australian artists.

MARS is at the forefront of innovation in Australian contemporary art galleries in both design and programs. The architecture and fit-out of MARS is by JAM Architects in collaboration with gallerist and MARS founder Andy Dinan. A striking glass façade at street level provides unimpeded views into the main gallery. This element cleverly communicates MARS’ commitment to best practice and transparency in the gallery process and philosophy that art is for everyone. A diversity of art programs and services are offered within including:
Gallery/exhibitions
Rent Art
Art consultancy and public art project commissions
Art pop-ups
Art fair attendance
Curating special events
The exciting visitor experience at MARS spans three levels and encompasses:
A main gallery for exhibiting paintings and sculpture
A black box room dedicated to showing video-installation works by leading local and international video artists
A light room focused on light and neon art
A drawing room devoted to works on paper
A basement stock room for storing and viewing works
MARS’ architecture also expresses environmental sustainable design excellence in art gallery design. Green qualities contributing to the gallery’s 7 star environmental rating include: thermal mass; double glazing; sustainable materials that improve air quality; smart meters that monitor energy and water use; photovoltaics for electricity generation; rainwater harvesting; energy efficient water fittings and fixtures and recycled timber floors.
Established in 2004 in an iconic dairy in Port Melbourne, MARS’ move to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art building at 7 James Street in Windsor in July 2014 marked the gallery’s 10-year anniversary, launch of new programs and a new chapter.
Art collectors and enthusiasts alike are welcome at MARS, which is superbly located in the heart of Windsor’s hip fashion, café and dining scene, just off Chapel Street.

Staff
Andy Dinan, Director
Claire La Greca, Gallery Manager
Amanda Camp, Art Consultant (Public art and Rent Art)