Having heard little bits and pieces of rumour about this the past month or two, we’re pretty thrilled to see that its finally unwrapped and some of the details are out there on a fantastic new space opening up in our ‘hood.

Friday, April the 1st sees another addition to the reinvigorated and renewed arts and culture vibe in Prahran in the form of RTIST Gallery, with their un-official launch and group exhibition, featuring over twenty of Australias coolest and talented urban artists. This is a private, un-official opening, so bring yourselves and your crew, keep it neat, and enjoy a preview of what’s to come at this fantastic new space.

“RTIST Gallery is proud to announce it’s unofficial opening event on Friday 1st April 2011 that will feature cutting edge artworks from 20 of Australia’s finest established and up and coming urban artists. Live music and painting throughout the evening will also add to this not to be missed occasion, along with free beverages and canapés for all invited guests. ‘This opening exhibition is designed to give the Melbourne public a taste of what’s install for this exciting new space’ says Toby Armstrong, Director of the new gallery.

Jeremy Gaschk, head curator of the RTIST Gallery is eagerly looking forward to the opening night. Jeremy has been responsible for significant events across Melbourne including The Croft Alley Projects, Tiger Translate Melbourne, Battle for Space at the National Gallery of Victoria, along with a host of other projects and exhibitions. ‘We have been very fortunate to assemble a unique line up of established and emerging urban artists for the opening exhibition’ said Jeremy. New works featuring on the opening night include those from Jason Jacenko, Sofles, Slicer, Shida, Numskull, Beastman, Amelia Lackman, Gimiks Born, Adnate & Ojae, Deams, Itch, Vans the Omega, Johnny Duel, Urban Cake Lady, Rone, Stabs, Phibske, Lucy Lucy, Roachy and Marko Maglaic.

The space itself is situated in the rapidly developing arts an culture hub of Melbourne located at 29 St Edmonds Road Prahran, just off Melbourne’s iconic Greville Street. Featuring an impressive open and light filled exhibition space, with two private plant filled courtyards and stylish cafe/bar area, the gallery is sure to become a prominent ‘must see’ gallery for art lovers across Melbourne. Both Toby and Jeremy at RTIST are keen to help showcase local and international talent to a broader demographic across Melbourne, giving established and rising urban artists the chance to showcase their works in a professionally sleek and vibrant exhibition space.”

Many kudos, and the best of luck to the RTIST family on their new endeavour, we’re pretty excited for them, and hell excited to see what shows they have on offer for us in the future …

Who: Jason Jacenko, Sofles, Slicer, Shida, Numskull, Beastman, Amelia Lackman, Gimiks Born, Adnate & Ojae, Deams, Itch, Vans the Omega, Johnny Duel, Urban Cake Lady, Rone, Stabs, Phibske, Lucy Lucy, Roachy and Marko Maglaic.
What: RTIST Group Show and Gallery Opening
Where: RTIST Gallery, 29 St Edmond Road, Prahran, VIC
When: Gallery and show will be opening on Friday 1st April, 730pm til late.

Check out the RTIST Gallery website for contact details and news …