Since its founding in 2006, Neon Parc has been a vital force in Melbourne’s contemporary art scene, driven by a deep belief in the power of artists and their role in shaping cultural dialogue. As Neon Parc prepares to present an exciting lineup at Sydney Contemporary, we spoke with founder Geoff Newton about the gallery’s origins, evolving philosophy, and what’s next on the horizon.
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Can you tell us about how Neon Parc came into existence?
The gallery started as a conversation between an artist (myself) and a curator about how to represent our peers – there were a few key artists who didn’t have any representation at the time so the timing felt right for a number of reasons. The artists the gallery has worked with from the beginning are ambitious and aren’t afraid to take risks in their work.
Image: Dale Frank, Beach 30’s, 2015.
Which artists are you presenting at Sydney Contemporary and why?
We are presenting new and historical works by Colleen Ahern, BMDO, Dale Frank, Maria Kozic, Hugo Blomley and Rob McLeish. The installation has a very physical thematic.
Image: Maria Kozic, T.I.T.S., 1991.
How do you characterize the philosophy of Neon Parc as a gallery?
I think to believe in the role of the artist in society and make exhibitions that fully represent our times. The gallery will be 20 years old next year yet it only feels like we are getting started as in the last decade a few artists have presented solo exhibitions and surveys in institutions. Neon Parc has also published and co-published monographs. The energy and dedication I feel from working with artists has maintained the direction and ambition of the program and I feel like there is a sense of family too.
Image: Rob McLeish, SNARE (7), 2025.
What’s happening next in the world of Neon Parc?
Right now we are preparing for Sydney Contemporary, in addition to museum exhibitions by several artists of the gallery, then we have Untitled Miami later this year, which is very exciting.
Our South Yarra building is for sale so there might be some movements over the next few months too.
Image: Hugo Blomley, Untitled, 2025.
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Neon Parc will present work by at Sydney Contemporary 2025. Tickets to Sydney Contemporary are on sale now.
