The Outsiders Melbourne opens with iconic street art collection near Hosier Lane on December 12, 2024.
Melbourne is set to host a landmark exhibition celebrating street art, with The Outsiders Melbourne opening on 12 December 2024. This world premiere event, held at the corner of Flinders Lane and Hosier Lane, will feature highlights from The Sandrew Collection, Australia’s largest private street art collection. The exhibition is free to the public and will run until 25 May 2025, showcasing works by both local and international artists who have defied the art establishment.
The Outsiders Melbourne
- The Outsiders Melbourne Level 1, 167 Flinders Lane, corner of Hosier Lane, Melbourne
- Dates: 12 December 2024 – 25 May 2025
- Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 10am-6pm (excluding public holidays)
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A collection 15 years in the making
Over the past 15 years, Sandra Powell and Andrew King—collectively known as Sandrew—have built the most extensive collection of street art in Australia. Their collection includes a wide array of works by prominent names, such as Banksy, Rone, Adnate, and Shepard Fairey, along with many others. Known for their passionate advocacy, Powell and King have curated exhibitions locally and internationally, promoting street art as an important and vibrant cultural movement. For the first time, their private collection will be open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the works that have shaped the contemporary street art scene.
Sandra Powell explains their motivation: “For the past 15 years, Andrew and I have been obsessed with street art. We see ourselves as ambassadors for this exciting art movement. As well as advising and helping promote these talented artists, we have been very actively collecting their studio work. We are very proud to have curated a world-class art collection, and to have the opportunity to share it with the public is a dream come true.”
Over 100 works on display
The Outsiders Melbourne will feature more than 100 works by celebrated street artists, including Melbourne favourites such as Rone, Adnate, Vexta, Kaff-eine, Fintan Magee, Sofles, and MEGGS. Internationally renowned artists such as Banksy, Barry McGee, Vhils, Invader, Swoon, Shepard Fairey, Ron English, and ELLE will also have their works displayed.
Notable highlights of the exhibition include:
- A dedicated Banksy room featuring the never-before-seen work, Firewall
- Matt Adnate’s Echoes of a Teenage Superstar, a portrait of Daniel Johns and 2023 Archibald Prize finalist
- A previously unseen canvas by Rone, Badlands
- Several works by Swoon, one of the world’s leading female street artists
- Shepard Fairey’s His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
- Ron English’s Kiss and Make Up
- E.L.K’s award-winning portrait of Saul Williams, recipient of the Stencil Art Prize
- A significant painting by Barry McGee, created circa 1990
Andrew King reflects on the essence of street art: “These artists are outsiders; they flourish outside the constraints of the established art world. Like the magnificent laneways of Melbourne, the walls of The Outsiders will surprise, challenge and amuse.”
Melbourne as a hub for street art
Street art has long been synonymous with Melbourne, and the exhibition’s location at Hosier Lane—an iconic street art destination—cements its cultural relevance. The city’s laneways are celebrated globally for their vibrant, ever-changing walls, which have drawn locals and tourists alike to witness its artistic evolution.
Rone, one of Melbourne’s most recognised street artists, praised Sandrew for their contributions to the street art community: “Sandrew have been champions of Melbourne’s street-art community for over a decade. Unmatched in their commitment, enthusiasm and ability to bring the movement to a wider audience, they continue to educate and inspire a passion for all things street art.”
A broader cultural conversation
The exhibition aims to spark broader discussions about the value of street art and its role in shaping contemporary culture. While traditionally considered outside the boundaries of the established art world, street art has increasingly gained recognition as a legitimate and important form of artistic expression. Powell and King’s dedication to collecting and showcasing these works underscores their belief in its cultural significance.
Their passion is evident in the scope of the collection, which not only includes works created on walls and streets but also studio pieces that highlight the versatility and depth of these artists. By presenting the works in a formal exhibition setting, The Outsiders Melbourne bridges the gap between street art and the gallery world, offering a new way for audiences to engage with this dynamic medium.
Exhibition details
The Outsiders Melbourne will run at Level 1, 167 Flinders Lane, corner of Hosier Lane, Melbourne.
- Dates: 12 December 2024 to 25 May 2025
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10am-6pm (excluding public holidays)
Additional programming will be announced in 2025, further activating the exhibition space and encouraging deeper engagement with the art on display.
Sandrew’s legacy in street art
Sandra Powell and Andrew King’s efforts have made them pivotal figures in the Australian street art movement. Their collection not only represents some of the most significant works in the genre but also serves as a testament to their commitment to the artists and their craft. By opening their collection to the public, they hope to inspire a greater appreciation for street art and its power to connect, challenge, and captivate.
For Melbourne, The Outsiders Melbourne is more than just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of the city’s unique relationship with street art. With its free entry and accessible location, it offers a chance for everyone to experience the creativity and vibrancy of the world’s most exciting street art movement.
You can learn more about Sandrew on their website, or follow them on Instagram.
