Places to Be

Art underground

If you've been anywhere near the interwebs lately, you would have noticed that underground art galleries and their associated exhibition openings are hot topics. But how do you know where to go? Here are our picks from around the country.

Melbourne
No Vacancy Gallery is just over a year old. Located near Melbourne's State Library and RMIT university, the gallery regularly hosts shows from local uni design talent and street artists, with an emphasis on prints. Check their blog for the latest info.
34-40 Jane Bell Lane, Melbourne

Sydney
China Heights is a Sydney institution. Tucked one floor above Crown Street, the place is hard to find but worth the effort. Exhibited artists include Greedy Hen, Christopher Day and Trent Whitehead. Exhibitions open weekly, generally on a Friday night around 6.30pm.
257 Crown Street Darlinghurst, Sydney

Brisbane
Nine Lives Gallery is hidden above Mellino's Italian restaurant  (there seems to be a running theme here!) in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. Nine Lives Gallery is an artistic bolthole. Illustration, fantastic street art prints and fun launches make this space a favourite.
Above Mellino's Italian (Opp. Rics Cafe), 330 Brunswick St Mall, Fortitude Valley

Perth
Free Range ARI Welcome to a gallery space where artists are free to express themselves however they like. Most recently Free Range has been full of candied beauty by saccharine artists Pip & Pop. The gallery has literally just launched - so watch this space.
339 Wellington St, Perth