Platform Art Gallery
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Description:
The construction of the art deco a style Degraves Street subway was spurred by the 1956 Olympics. Its purpose was to enable local workers to bypass crowds and access Flinders St Station more easily. The subway connects station platforms and is reached via stairs off Degraves & Flinders Streets. A total of 18 glass display cases line the arcade walls, these vary in width from 2 to 4 metres and were originally designed to showcase the wares of the nearby Mutual store (long since closed).
Connex estimates that 35 000 pedestrians pass through the subway weekly, offering artists tremendous exposure and a truly public forum.
The Platform Artists Group, an artist run initiative, has mounted exhibitions in the arcade since 1995. It regularly holds monthly art and design shows as well as events such as fashion parades, performance art and live music.
How was the space first identified and who was contacted to secure it?
From the early 1990s Richard Holt and Andrew Seaward, both RMIT fine arts graduates, had been operating a public art gallery called Platform at the Spencer Street Station subway (now Southern Cross Station). They had their eyes on the Campbell Arcade below Flinders St for some time which, owing to its inbuilt display cases and high levels of pedestrian traffic, seemed a superior venue. Holt and Seaward approached City of Melbourne, who own the arcade, but initially they were turned down. However in 1995, after a period of proven success at Spencer Street, City of Melbourne offered Platform the site.
What was required to secure the space?
A standard commercial lease with Public Liability Cover and risk management assessment in place.
What needed to be provided by the hirer?
Public Liability insurance, public event permit, Permit for the consumption of alcohol in a public place, Connex Station Master Office on call, Platform Artists Group minimum one director on site for events, Platform Volunteers. The site requires regular maintenance with cleaning, painting, replacing lights, sometimes replacing glass - it’s never ending!
What were the costs?
Leasehold, site maintenance, cleaning, painting, equipment hire. Office rental, administration, permit applications, insurance and risk management reports, staff wages, etc.
What were the resources available to you?
City of Melbourne offer some resources. Platform also share some resources with their office neighbours at City Village (Fringe, South Project, MIFF, etc). Otherwise they provide all other resources themselves.
Who helped you to fit it out?
The Platform Artists Group did the fit-out themselves. Apart from painting and replacing some wall sections and most of the glass panels, the site is pretty much as it was when built in the 1950s.
What were/are the obstacles?
Vandalism to the site (not the artwork just the exterior). Limited budgets are always an obstacle - some years they have a decent funding round, other years are very tight financially and they have to rely on volunteers and donations. Otherwise there is a lot of support from the private and government sector for what Platform does.
What were/are the risks?
The main risk is to artists installing their work, OH&S mostly. Platform also need to ensure the safety of visitors during the opening nights.