A must-see exhibition: Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection 📸✨
This exhibition brings Dupain’s iconic modernist studies of Australia’s built environments together with Adams’ majestic portrayals of the American wilderness in a compelling and illuminating pairing.
These images are shown alongside works by their peers, including portraits and still lifes, to contextualise their place in the development of twentieth-century photography.
Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition presented as part of the Bowness Family Foundation Photography Touring Program.
On display until 30 August.
Modernist and majestic: Gael Newton on the work of Ansel Adams and Max Dupain 🏛️
Join Gael Newton AM, former Senior Curator of Photography at National Gallery of Australia, as she discusses Ansel Adams and Max Dupain’s shared but individual interpretations of 20th century modernist photography.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Australia’s leading photography specialists and learn about the twentieth century’s most influential photographers through an expert lens.
When: Thursday 13 August, 6pm to 7pm
Location: Bayside Gallery, corner of Carpenter and Wilson Streets,
Brighton
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Adults
Volunteer at Melbourne Sculpture Biennale 2026 📢
Be part of one of Victoria’s most exciting visual arts events. Bayside City Council is seeking volunteers to support the free exhibition between 8 to 25 October 2026, as the historic Billilla Mansion transforms into a vibrant hub for contemporary art, community engagement and sculptural installations by leading artists.
Volunteers will assist visitors, support exhibition operations and help create a welcoming experience for the community.
To bear witness: the power of the image
Join our expert panellists during National Science Week to discuss how a photograph can act as an agent for change.
Moderated by Professor Daniel Palmer, this is a rare opportunity to hear internationally acclaimed photographers Dr Peta Clancy, Silvi Glattauer and Morganna Magee, discuss the power of an image as a catalyst in an ever changing world.
When: Saturday 22 August, 2pm to 3pm
Location: Bayside Gallery, corner of Carpenter and Wilson Streets,
Brighton
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Adults
Analog Art Club 🎞️
Explore Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection mindfully and with curiosity in our monthly Analog Art Club. Step away from the tech, make some new friends and enjoy art in your local community.
When: Thursday 27 August, 6pm to 7pm
Location: Bayside Gallery, corner of Carpenter and Wilson Streets,
Brighton
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Adults
Bayside Art Babies coming soon 👀👶
Bring your little one along for a free weekly adventure of art, music, storytelling and sensory play. Designed for babies aged 0-18 months and their carers, these engaging sessions invite young minds to explore, discover and connect through hands-on activities inspired by our current exhibition, all in a warm and welcoming gallery setting.
When: Weekly on Mondays from 17 August, 9:30am to 10am
Location: Bayside Gallery, corner of Carpenter and Wilson Streets,
Brighton
Cost: Free
Suitable for: 0 -18 months
Join Rewire Choir🎶
Rewire Choir is an inclusive, therapeutic choir designed for people living with dementia, along with their family members, friends and carers who support them.
Now underway and already bringing great energy and connection, sessions led by registered music therapist Zara Thompson use music to support health and wellbeing in a welcoming, supportive environment. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome.
When: Weekly on Thursdays, 2:30pm to 4pm
Where: Black Rock Activity Centre, 2 Karrakatta Street
Cost: FREE, bookings required
Entries now open for Young People of Bayside Art Exhibition 2026 🎨
Do you know a young artist aged 10-25 with a connection to Bayside? This year’s Young People of Bayside Art Exhibition theme is Under the Neon Lights.
Show us your interpretation through painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, mixed media or another visual art form. Entries close Friday 7 August.
Image/art credits in order of appearance:
1.Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection 2026, installation view, Bayside Gallery. Photo: Mark Ashkanasy.
2.Gael Newton AM in front of Max Dupain’s View from Clarence Street studio 1947, supplied. Max Dupain, Pyrmont silos 1935, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1976
3.Melbourne Sculpture Biennale 2026.
4.Left to right: portraits of Dr Peta Clancy, Morganna Magee, Daniel Palmer and Silvi Glattauer.
5.Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In search of perfection 2026, installation view, Bayside Gallery. Photo: Mark Ashkanasy.
6. Future past: recent additions to the Bayside City Council Art and Heritage Collection 2025, installation view. Photo: Mark Ashkanasy.
7. Rewire Choir
8. Young People of Bayside Art Exhibition 2026
