Kings ARI Has Been Saved

Kings ARI has recently signed a new 2-year lease with the owner of the premises at 171 King St Melbourne, which will ensure our capacity to continue operating our gallery and studios, and deliver a dynamic program of exhibitions to Melbourne audiences of contemporary art.

Faced with notification of a 48% rent increase in November 2008, Kings ARI’s future was threatened as this rent hike far exceeded our annual operational budget and meant our likely demise. However, in late January 2009 Kings ARI successfully negotiated the proposed rent increase down to a much more manageable level, making our existence viable for the next two years.

For all those of you who signed our Save Kings! petition, wrote articles and expressed concern at the plight of the artist-run sector we thank you for your support and activism. We look forward to seeing you at Kings ARI in 2009 and beyond!

Best Wishes

The Kings ARI Committee