Despard Gallery

Despard Gallery Despard Gallery represents Tasmanian, National and international artists. Established in 1985 on Despard Street, Hobart.

Despard Gallery has been an established commercial art space in Hobart, Tasmania for 30 years. Throughout this time the gallery has lead the way for contemporary arts practice through an extensive exhibition program, including large scale international exhibitions in New York and Chicago. With this extensive history and experience Despard is set to realise a fresh new vision in a new, purpose-buil

t above the original gallery in historic, central Hobart. In collaboration with Field Labs architect, James Wilson, Despard Gallery has designed a world-class exhibition space to present the best of Tasmanian art. Originally constructed in 1837 and sensitively restored using modern industrial fittings and finishes, the design has preserved many of the original markings from the convict nails to vintage graffiti. The new exhibition space represents a shift in vision. Through a monthly exhibition program of contemporary art, Despard strives to create an art experience that is stimulating, relevant and reflective of Australian creative culture while not shying away from topical issues. Gallery Director, Steven Joyce is passionate about art and offers discerning advice through the market with confidence. The gallery delivers a highly personalised approach that draws on well-established relationships with artists and curators. Despard aims to deliver the most desirable and highest quality works from both established and emerging artists nationally and internationally. The gallery will now be able to offer the creative community a unique venue to hire, valuations of modern works of art, furniture and design objects. For years, Steven has also offered private art consultancy for businesses and individuals, a personalised service offered to clients with a specified outcome in mind.

F I N A L  D A Y S to view our current exhibition and fourth iteration of our special Collectors’ Series. The exhibition...
27/05/2026

F I N A L D A Y S to view our current exhibition and fourth iteration of our special Collectors’ Series. The exhibition features an array of iconic artworks from important mid-career and established artists and a selection of private sales. It also presents a special invited contribution by leading contemporary artist Susan Norrie, recognised internationally for both her moving image and painted works and representing Australia at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007.
Significant inclusion include works by celebrated artists such as Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Bern Emmerichs, Anne Hall, Stephen Lees & Geoff Dyer. Noteworthy indigenous artworks included pieces by Makinti Napanangka, Ningura Napurrula, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula and George Hairbrush Tjungurrayi, as well as a rare carved shield by Reggie Jackson Tjapaltjarri.
Do make sure you drop by to view some extraordinary artworks on display or view in full online now, including a comprehensive exhibition flipbook catalogue with written insights into the artists and their work.
Exhibition concludes this Saturday 30 May.
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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S  Despard Gallery is very proud to announce that early career Tasmanian artists George Kenn...
13/05/2026

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S Despard Gallery is very proud to announce that early career Tasmanian artists George Kennedy and Harrison Bowe have both been selected as finalists in this year’s Hadley’s Art Prize. This is Kennedy’s first time being selected as a finalist and Bowe’s fourth, being selected, winning the people choice award in 2025. Despard Gallery would like to congratulate Kennedy and Bowe, who are two of only five Tasmanian artists that have been selected for this year’s prize, signifying the recognition their unique contributions to the genre of contemporary landscape painting.
The Hadley’s Art Prize Hobart is one of the richest landscape art prizes in Australia, with an acquisitive prize of $100,000. The annual prize is awarded to a contemporary artist for the best portrayal of the Australian landscape. The winner will be announced at the opening of the exhibition finalists’ works hosted by the Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart, on Friday 31 July. Finalists’ exhibition runs from 1 – 23 August 2026.
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O P E N I N G E V E N T Please join us for an Opening Event Tonight and help celebrate our latest exhibition and some ex...
08/05/2026

O P E N I N G E V E N T Please join us for an Opening Event Tonight and help celebrate our latest exhibition and some extraordinary artworks on display. Marking the fourth in our Collectors’ Exhibition Series, this year we are featuring an array of iconic artworks from important mid-career and established artists and invited private sales.
Included in this year’s exhibition are significant works from celebrated artists such as Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Bern Emmerichs, Anne Hall, Stephen Lees & Geoff Dyer. Noteworthy indigenous artworks included pieces by Makinti Napanangka, Ningura Napurrula, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula and George Hairbrush Tjungurrayi, as well as a rare carved shield by Reggie Jackson Tjapaltjarri. We are also presenting new works by critically acclaimed artist Susan Norrie, recognised internationally for both her moving image and painted works and representing Australia at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007.
Please join us tonight (Friday 8 May from 5:30pm) to view the exhibition and help celebrate one of our significant Collector’s Exhibition to date.
View the exhibition in full via our website now.
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U P C O M I N G  Despard Gallery is proud to present our upcoming Collectors’ Exhibition featuring important mid-career ...
01/05/2026

U P C O M I N G Despard Gallery is proud to present our upcoming Collectors’ Exhibition featuring important mid-career and established Australian artists through an array of significant artworks and invited private sales.
6 – 30 May
Marking the fourth iteration of the series, this year’s collection includes important pieces from celebrated artists such as Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Bern Emmerichs, Anne Hall, Stephen Lees & Geoff Dyer, as well as Tasmanian artists Sebastian Galloway and Lucien Rickard from 2012. Noteworthy indigenous artworks included pieces by Makinti Napanangka, Ningura Napurrula, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula and George Hairbrush Tjungurrayi, as well as a rare carved shield by Reggie Jackson Tjapaltjarri. We are also excited to showcase new works by critically acclaimed artist Susan Norrie, recognised internationally for both her moving image and painted works and representing Australia at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007.
Register your interest via our website to receive a preview catalogue.
Opening Event Friday 8 May 5:30 pm
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L A S T  W E E K Make sure you drop by the gallery and not to miss the amazing solo exhibi-tion by emerging Tasmanian ar...
24/04/2026

L A S T W E E K Make sure you drop by the gallery and not to miss the amazing solo exhibi-tion by emerging Tasmanian artist Rosanagh May!
Underpinning May’s first major exhibition is a celebration of the ballads and storytelling of coun-try and western. May’s work gives a nod to how country music has evolved, from closed tradition to being inclusive and a new form of expression. With multipiece spires, a giant charm bracelet, lucky horseshoes and hanging bridle ornaments (complete with snaffle bits), the exhibition demonstrates a similar evolution within ceramics. A medi-um that remains grounded in the modesty of craft, yet reframed and modelled into a contemporary language with renewed relevance.
Make sure you drop by the gallery to see this exhibition person or view in full inline now, in-cluding a comprehensive exhibition flipbook catalogue with exhibition text and insights by Rosanagh about the songs that have inspired each work.
Please note gallery hours for Saturday 25 April (ANZAC day) 12noon – 4 pm
Exhibition continues through til Saturday 2 May.
[Artwork: Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other 2026 white mid fire clay, underglaze & glaze 32 x 27.5 x 15 cm]
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T H A N K  Y O U  Despard would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came by the gallery for our special...
13/04/2026

T H A N K Y O U Despard would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came by the gallery for our special opening event last Friday and help celebrate the official opening of Tasmanian artist Rosanagh May’s inaugural solo exhibition. It was a packed event with many clients, friends and family who turned out to enjoy the exhibition as well as congratulate Rosanagh on a very important creative milestone. There was plenty of excitement and admiration for Rosanagh’s new series of ceramic vessels and sculptures, relishing in the happiness of the country themes as well as a round of special drinks provided by the artist!
We would like to extend big congratulations to Rosanagh for all their hard work bring together such a strong exhibition and look forward to sharing the work with visitors over the course of the exhibition. We would also like to thank artist Helen Wright for opening the exhibition with some lovely words about Rosanagh, as well as Hillary Burden who was on hand to talk about the special Limius collaborative pieces, which includes a custom wearable scent.
Exhibition continues through to Saturday 2 May, with the exhibition available to view in full via our website now, including a special digital publication and gallery views.

O P E N I N G  T O N I G H T  Despard Gallery is pleased to invite you to a special Opening Event Tonight (Friday 10 Apr...
10/04/2026

O P E N I N G T O N I G H T Despard Gallery is pleased to invite you to a special Opening Event Tonight (Friday 10 April) to help celebrate the inaugural solo exhibition by emerging Tasmanian artist Rosanagh May.
Please join us from 5:30pm to congratulate Rosanagh on a dynamic new collection of work and a major creative milestone.
‘Good Luck, Babe, owes a lot to the writers and performers who make country and western music feel both monumental and deeply personal. Each work is about devotion: to material, to song, to the act of listening. Clay remembers every touch. Songs remember every ache. By bringing them together, I have created objects that are a little bit romantic, a little bit melancholic, and entirely comfortable being both heartfelt and slightly tongue-in-cheek—much like the best country songs themselves.’ - Rosanagh May
Now available to view in full online via our website. Exhibition concludes Saturday 2 May.

09/04/2026

I N S T A L L complete! After a very busy few days, we very excited to open the doors and share our latest exhibition 'Good Luck, Babe’ by emerging Tasmanian artist Rosanagh May.
In her inaugural solo exhibition, May presents a new suite of her distinctive black and white ceramic sculptures that celebrates the ballads and storytelling of country and western. May’s work reflects the same values that country music offers, including hard work, camaraderie, re-silience, yet also individualism and freedom. Overall, the exhibition gives a nod to how country music has evolved, from closed tradition to being inclusive and a new form of expression.
Please drop by to view in person or enjoy in full online. There is also an extensive digital ex-hibition catalogue where you can read all about the works and the song lyrics that have in-spired them.
Please join us, along with the artist for a special opening event this Friday 10 April from 5:30 pm. To be opened by contemporary artist Helen Wright.
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S N E A K  P E E K  Despard Gallery is very excited to announce the highly anticipated inaugural solo exhibition ‘Good L...
03/04/2026

S N E A K P E E K Despard Gallery is very excited to announce the highly anticipated inaugural solo exhibition ‘Good Luck, Babe’ by emerging Tasmanian ceramicist Rosanagh May.
8 April – 2 May 2026�
With its distinctive combination of white clay adorned with hand painted black underglaze, May’s ceramic vessels are adorned with excerpts of song lyrics carefully weave their way through detailed illustration and patterning. Inspired by the personal expression that comes from song, May’s work demonstrates how music and art share a common language, including an ability to connect people through shared experience.
Underpinning May’s first major solo exhibition is a celebration of the ballads and storytelling that underpins the genre of country and western. Drawn to its sincerity and candid attitude, May’s ceramic vessels parallel the underlying values of country music, including hard work, camaraderie, resilience, yet also individualism and freedom. These similarities speak to creativity that is authentic, whittled down to its principal elements and being comfortable in one’s own skin, both heartfelt, yet slightly tongue-in-cheek.
�Preview the exhibition and register you interest via our website now to receive a preview catalogue!�.�Opening event Friday 10 April form 5:30pm�.�.�.�.�.�.�.�

8 April - 2 May 2026Despard Gallery is proud to present ‘Good Luck, Babe’ the highly anticipated inaugural solo exhibition by emerging Tasmanian ceramicist R...

T H A N K Y O U We would like to extend a big thank you to all the clients, friends and family who stopped by the galler...
27/03/2026

T H A N K Y O U We would like to extend a big thank you to all the clients, friends and family who stopped by the gallery for our special opening event and help celebrate solo exhibition by Tasmanian artist Milan Milojevic. It was great atmosphere, with many turning out to congratulate Milan on another amazing exhibition, as well as share in some personal insights into his practice.
If you haven’t made it to the gallery yet, there is still a week left of the exhibition, so we encourage you to stop by and enjoy in person.
Otherwise, jump on our website now to view all exhibition images, a special artist interview video, digital publication and gallery views. Exhibition continues through to Saturday 4 April.

A R T I S T  I N T E R V I E W  Despard Gallery is proud to present our latest artist interview video featuring contempo...
20/03/2026

A R T I S T I N T E R V I E W Despard Gallery is proud to present our latest artist interview video featuring contemporary Tasmanian printmaker Milan Milojevic.
Listen to Milojevic discuss the major turning points in his nationally recognised career and learn about his experience in being a principal figure in the development and early adoption of digital processes within contemporary printmaking. Sharing personal reflections of his parent’s experience as refugees migrating to Tasmania from Europe, Milojevic discusses how generational stories continue to influence and shape his practice today.
Milojevic also reflects on artist residencies he undertook in Scotland during the mid 1990’s and how these pivotal experiences helped him rediscover the importance of building up tactility in the printed surface. Milojevic also touches on the chance discovery of ‘The Book Of Imaginary Beings’ by Jorge Luis Borges and how hybrid mythical creatures could become a powerful metaphor to explore identity and personal experience.
Milojevic’s solo exhibition ‘Once Was / Is : Revisiting The Archive’ concludes 4 April.

11 March – 4 April 2026Despard Gallery is proud to present the latest video in our Artist Interview Series featuring contemporary Tasmanian artist and printm...

Address

15 Castray Esplanade
Hobart, TAS
7000

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5am
Friday 10am - 5am
Saturday 10am - 4am

Telephone

+61362238266

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