Andy Dinan founded and established Melbourne Art Rooms, known as MARS Gallery, in 2004 with a steadfast resolve for promoting Australian artists. After a successful decade in Port Melbourne, MARS moved into the purpose-built, state-of-the-art gallery in Windsor in 2014. The new MARS represents the gallery’s commitment to the next generation of art and artists, enabling the showing of challenging new media including sound sculpture, video and light art alongside contemporary painting, sculpture and works on paper. MARS is at the forefront of innovation in Australian contemporary art galleries in both design and programs. JAM Architects designed the new gallery, with a striking glass façade and four levels of exhibition spaces including a new media and sculpture garden on the rooftop design the new gallery on James Street.
MARS Gallery has, since its’ inception in 2004, earned a reputation for an innovative exhibition program and has grown into one of the handful of truly prestigious commercial art spaces in Australia. Representing both emerging and mid-career artists, under the helm of dynamic director Andy Dinan, it is renowned for its adventurous and fearless approach which has made it a favourite venue for collectors, curators, artists and the general public alike.
MARS has a rich history of supporting contemporary Australian art and has fostered meaningful relationships with public institutions and curators throughout Australia and internationally. MARS continues to present itself as an innovator in both gallery design and programming with dedicated exhibition spaces for fostering the careers of emerging and mid-career Australian artists.