On 21 November 2012, I stood on Oxford Street in Sydney, ready to embark on a journey that would become Art Pharmacy. At the time, I had little notion of the remarkable and transformative venture ahead, supporting thousands of artists across Australia. This pivotal moment coincided with welcoming my daughter into the world, a significant life change marked by my midwife’s words:
“This will be the most creative you will ever be!”
In hindsight, the words spoken by my midwife couldn’t have been more accurate, foreshadowing my creative adventures to come with Art Pharmacy. It has been an extraordinary journey that commenced with seven pop-up exhibitions over the course of two years, eventually evolving into what Art Pharmacy is known as today. Now our business has a core purpose: to make art part of everyday life.
106 Oxford Street: The Beginning
On 22 November 2012, we opened our first group exhibition at 106 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. The show featured the works of ten artists across a range of mediums, including painting, photography, ink, and sculpture. Running for two weeks, it laid the groundwork for what would become a dynamic series of creative activations throughout the city.
The initial events hosted by Art Pharmacy went beyond mere exhibitions, they were lively community gatherings. For example we organised an interiors talk with Jackie Brown from Interior Design magazine, merging art and design to spark inspiring conversations.
What I Learnt: The Practicalities of Pop Ups
Over the following two years, we ran seven more pop-up exhibitions in various locations, each space with its quirks. Every exhibition taught me valuable lessons about the practical side of running creative spaces. Each exhibition offered valuable insights into the practicalities of managing creative spaces. I gained experience in navigating the unique challenges of heritage buildings and their distinctive electrical systems, coordinating bump-in logistics with artists and creatives, optimising lighting arrangements to enhance both the space and the artwork, and managing lock systems and unforeseen obstacles.
These experiences helped me become more resourceful and adaptable in dynamic work environments. Venues like The Atrium and Oxford Street taught me that no two spaces are alike, each has its distinct character and specific demands.
Art Pharmacy’s Evolution: From Galleries to Public Spaces
Prior to launching Art Pharmacy I worked with prestigious galleries and institutions in London—including Lisson Gallery, Hauser & Wirth and the British Museum. What resonated with me most during that period was the realisation that, for individuals to engage with art, they were often required to seek it out themselves. Given the demands of modern life, many miss out on cultural experiences, perceiving access as limited to those already acquainted with the art world. This insight inspired the creation of Art Pharmacy’s pop-up model—bringing art directly to the public and seamlessly integrating it into unexpected spaces. From our grassroots beginnings, these activations have evolved into a model that supports artists in innovative and impactful ways.
In Australia, I sought a role at the Museum of Contemporary Art, but with long standing positions, I realised I had to create my own path. Art Pharmacy became my mission and full-time passion, building the opportunities I couldn’t find elsewhere.
The Power of Community
One of the fundamental lessons from our pop-up journey was the power of communities. Art Pharmacy flourished because of the dedicated people who shared a vision, and worked relentlessly to build environments where creatives could thrive.
For some time, I regarded those early pop-up days as too raw and unpolished. However, I have come to recognise them as the foundation of everything we have built today. These experiences shaped Art Pharmacy’s identity and enabled us to create a lasting impact within Australia’s art community.
Acknowledgements
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals who have been part of this journey-Emily Herdman, Taylor Concher, Ciara Timlin, Susie, Mara, Katie Milton, Katie Winten, Susie Smith, Lisa Dieu (for capturing our journey on video), and Jessa Melicor. Your belief in Art Pharmacy’s mission has been invaluable, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who supported us in the early stages and continues to contribute to our growth.
Reflecting on those early activations, I feel immense pride in what we created-spaces where art and community could meet, flourish, and inspire. Art Pharmacy’s journey has been one of creativity, resilience, and community spirit, and I am grateful for every step along the way.
Here’s to many more years of creative activations, championing artists, and weaving art into everyday life.