Melbourne Now on display in Southbank

One of National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) most daring projects ‘Melbourne Now’ began in November and art lovers are in for a treat, as it is set to run right through summer.

The exhibition brings together over 400 artists and is not only spread between NGV’s two locations, on St Kilda Rd and the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square but also utilises various other locations around Melbourne.

Artists, architects fashion designers and jewelers have produced works for the exhibition.

NGV director Tony Ellwood said Melbourne Now was a coming-of-age for the NGV and enabled it to provide for both artists and consumers.

“Melbourne Now has enabled us to evolve as an institution and provide new opportunities for our artists and designers while, at the same time, inviting participation from the widest possible audience,” Mr Ellwood explained.

Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria said it showed off Melbourne to the rest of the world.

“It is often stated that Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne Now is set to prove this yet again,” Ms Victoria said.

“The exhibition will surprise and reward visitors again and again, and what is even more exciting is that it’s all free. The Victorian Government is proud to support this program and I encourage you all to explore, experience and be inspired by, the very best of Melbourne Now,” she added.

Melbourne Now runs until March 2014.