he incredible success of recent NGV International exhibitions such as Salvador Dali and Ron Mueck is fascinating in its own right, but another interesting factor is that the success has been partly attributed to the 40 per cent of attendees who were below 40 years of age. It is no wonder, then, that NGV have decided to once again reach out to the younger demographic.

Indeed, the NGV has been hard at work in recent times creating and building a brand new contemporary art space to be opened next month, in a bid to reinvigorate Artbeat as a youth-focused, membership category. Artbeat was launched in 2003 and is aimed at 20 to 30 somethings with varying degrees or knowledge and interest in art. It will feature a diverse range of activities, parties and events, allowing for a unique experience of art in an inclusive environment.

The new contemporary space will open with the Artbeat Party, which will feature an exclusive first viewing of the inaugural exhibition by Ranjani Shettar, Dewdrops and Sunshine. Hailing from India, the young artist will showcase her intricate, nature-inspired installation works in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) and New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Dewdrops explores a wide spectrum of natural phenomena by using a mix of organic and man-made materials, taking a leaf from the kinetic response of plants in the presence of sunlight and to sudden movement, the interaction of water and sunlight, and the fluorescence of fireflies. Performing at the party with be World’s End Press and DJ Michael Kucyk (who hosts Noise in My Head on RRR).

The NGV Arbeat party will be held on Friday 11 November from 8.30pm til midnight. There are only 250 tickets available and non-members are encouraged to attend. Book before 5pm on Friday October 28 here. $65 for members, $75 for non-members.

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