Romulus Folio Gallery marks one year of contemporary art and design at Montague

Romulus Folio Gallery is celebrating one year of cultural programming at The Gladstone in South Melbourne, where the independent gallery has activated the Tower B lobby through a steady program of exhibitions, workshops and public events since April 2025.

Operating within a residential development, Romulus Folio has established an open studio model that brings contemporary art and design into direct dialogue with everyday space. Over the past 12 months, the program has grown into a consistent cultural presence within the Montague precinct, contributing to the broader transformation of the Montague Precinct and Fishermans Bend.

The gallery is led by creative director Angelina Mirabito, an interdisciplinary artist with a PhD whose practice spans contemporary art, curatorial work and cultural programming. She works alongside gallery manager Scott Ross, with Joseph Mirabito supporting the gallery’s operational and commercial direction.

Together, Angelina Mirabito and Scott Ross have built a vibrant arts hub through their own independent efforts, fostering meaningful exchange across the broader creative community.

Romulus Folio presents a monthly exhibition program, with opening events aligned with The Gladstone’s resident social nights. These gatherings bring together residents, artists, architects, designers and visitors, creating a shared cultural experience within the building’s public environment.

In May 2025, the gallery presented an exhibition as part of Melbourne Design Week, contributing to the citywide program exploring the intersections between art, design and material practice.

Among its recent highlights was FUSION, presented in collaboration with Mark Alexander, a highly regarded luxury interior designer, artist, sculptor and furniture maker. The exhibition explored the relationship between contemporary art, interior architecture and design through a curated presentation of artworks and sculptural furniture, installed in dialogue with the architectural conditions of the site.

City of Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makim has regularly opened the gallery’s exhibitions, recognising the role independent cultural initiatives can play in enriching the creative life of the municipality.

Romulus Folio has also built links with the wider arts sector. Through a student placement program with The University of Melbourne, the gallery recently welcomed its first intern, Louisa Chu, who is completing a Master of Arts and Cultural Management.

Mirabito said the program was grounded in a belief in the transformative potential of art within lived environments.

“I believe in the power of art to transform the way we experience everyday life across public, private and commercial spaces,” she said.

As part of its first anniversary, Romulus Folio will present Inside Wonder from April 1 to May 3, featuring work by Xinzhi Li alongside a focused presentation by local emerging artist Usha Newland.

A special exhibition opening and anniversary celebration will be held on April 17 from 5pm to 7pm.

Romulus Folio also hosts the Romulus Salon, an interdisciplinary gathering of artists, designers and creative practitioners. The next Salon will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 5pm to 7pm. •