Our gallery program features regular curated survey and thematic exhibitions, including the works of established and emerging contemporary Australian artists and a series of dynamic public programs for children and adults. The gallery program also includes hire exhibitions by local artists, schools and community groups.
Exhibitions
Confined 17: Presented by The Torch
1 May–14 June
Confined 17 provides a dedicated space for First Nations people who have experienced incarceration in Victoria to share their stories, culture and lived experiences through the artworks they produce. This exhibition serves as a poignant reflection on the disproportionate representation of First Nations Australians in our criminal justice system, underscoring the urgent need for change.
The Torch’s Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program is committed to reducing reoffending rates by fostering cultural connection through visual arts. The program aims to improve the cultural, social, emotional and financial wellbeing of participants, empowering them to find new pathways beyond the criminal justice system.
The Torch’s annual Confined exhibition is the key public showcase of the program. One hundred percent of each artwork price goes directly to the artist.
Artists in Focus: Stories from the Council’s art collection
19 June–5 July
The cultural significance of local government art collections and the diverse collecting themes that have shaped the direction of Council’s art collection since 1975 are illuminated in this exhibition through a richly layered selection of work spanning from the mid-20th century through to the 21st century.
The art collection encompasses diverse media including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and textiles by modern and contemporary Australian artists and has been enriched through donations, purchases and commissions over five decades.
Work by Arthur Boyd, Merric Boyd, Lucy Boyd Beck and Hatton Beck, David and Hermia Boyd, Guy Boyd, Jane Burton, Ivan Durrant, Ponch Hawkes, Pamela Irving, Erica McGilchrist, Linda Wachtel, Brett Whiteley, Fred Williams, and others are featured in the exhibition.
Tea and Clouds
Dominique Dunstan
9 July–9 August
Gallery Two
Tea and Clouds invites you to slow down and enjoy two simple pleasures — noticing clouds and drinking tea.
These quiet moments inspire the artworks in this exhibition, which explore themes of transience, connection, and reflection.
The paintings capture skies seen above local streets and parks. The handmade ceramics, created at Moorleigh Ceramic Cooperative, are inspired by the long tradition of tea — a ritual that brings peace, friendship, and comfort.
Glen Eira Artists Society
9 July–9 August
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
This annual exhibition showcases artworks which highlight the artists’ collective dedication and passion for art.
It features a range of themes, subjects and styles including still-life compositions, portraiture, urban scenes, traditional landscapes and unique installations. The artists come from diverse backgrounds, with varied skills and levels of experience, enabling them to produce innovative work. Immerse yourself in this display of fine art and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award.
Creative Currents
13 August–6 September
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Creative Currents explores the depths of the creative mind and the many ways ideas take shape — through quiet reflection, bold expression and everything in between.
Bringing together traditional and contemporary approaches, the exhibition highlights the skill, care and individuality of each artist.
Presented by the Glen Eira Cheltenham Art Group, this is a celebration of a local creative community. Visitors are invited to explore the works, reflect on their own creativity and find inspiration in others.
Patient as dust. Restless as tide.
Bridget McDermott
13 August–6 September
Glen Eira City Council Gallery — Gallery Two
Explore the relationship between natural and man-made materials in this mixed media and sculpture exhibition.
Addressing themes of sustainability, feminism, and our shifting relationship with the environment, the viewer is invited to reflect on what is preserved, celebrated and what is wasted.
The exhibition challenges traditional notions of the female artist, reclaiming practices such as collecting and preserving as important acts of cultural, ecological and feminist expression.
Youth Art Exhibition — Chaos in Colour
10 September–Sunday 4 October
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Hosted by Glen Eira Youth Services Next Glen Events Team.
Chaos in Colour celebrates the creativity of young people aged five to 25 from across Glen Eira, highlighting their ideas, talent and passion for art. Discover fresh perspectives and support the next generation of local creatives.
Why Does the River Know Where to Go?
Luke Zhai
10 September–4 October
Glen Eira City Council Gallery — Gallery Two
Luke Zhai, winner of the 2025 Youth Art Exhibition (18–25 category), presents his exhibition Why Does the River Know Where to Go?
Using the river as a central idea, the exhibition explores how we think about direction, purpose and identity. Rather than fixed answers, the works suggest that direction unfolds over time through movement, change and reflection.
Through a series of paintings, Luke explores themes of flow, path and connection, moving from realistic imagery to more symbolic and expressive forms.
Fabulous 70s: a celebration of Melbourne fashion
9 October–20 December
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Curator: Diane Soumilas
Step back into 1970s Melbourne and explore the era’s bold fashion.
Discover iconic designs by leading fashion designers and labels including Prue Acton, Jenny Bannister, Sally Browne, Clarence Chai, Mr Simon, Miss Hartnell, Leon Haskin, Elvie Hill, Van Roth, Norma Tullo and others.
From vibrant colours and striking patterns to experimental styles, the exhibition reflects a time of creativity, individuality and cultural change.
Featuring garments, accessories, photography and archival material from public and private collections, this exhibition invites all ages to explore, connect and be inspired by the distinctive style of the decade — from bohemian to disco and beyond.
Houses and Backyards of Glen Eira
9 October–1 November
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Presented by Glen Eira Historical Society.
Explore Glen Eira’s built heritage through this exhibition by the Glen Eira Historical Society.
From grand mansion estates to AV Jennings homes in the Beauville Estate, discover how local architecture reflects the area’s history.
The exhibition highlights a range of styles and offers a glimpse into everyday life in earlier times.
Interactive Children’s Fashion installation
4 November–20 December
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Creative workshops and dress-up in 1970s vintage clothing.
Step into a colourful 1970s-inspired space in Gallery Two, where creativity and self-expression take centre stage.
Children are invited to design and create their own fashion pieces, try on vintage-style outfits, and contribute to a growing collaborative installation.
Using bold fabrics, patterns and textures, participants can explore hands-on making with a range of provided materials, including drawing tools, fabric scraps and recycled elements.
As the exhibition progresses, each contribution becomes part of a vibrant, evolving display celebrating creativity, identity and community.
