Bohemian art gallery faces demolition

By Matt Khoury

Sydney’s community art space, Tap Gallery, faces demolition in the near future, bringing an end to two decades of bohemian expressions in a unique studio in Darlinghurst.
The gallery’s landlord, Clem Salwin, plans to turn the gallery and some adjoining terraces into a private residence, adorning a swimming pool, underground car park and multi-story mansion on the site.
Salwin said, ‘I don’t want to comment on the development of my home. I haven’t had any contact with council.’
However, a City of Sydney spokesperson confirmed that Salwin has pre-empted a council preference for an arts precinct and appealed against a deemed refusal of the development, and the matter will now go before the Land and Environment Court before being tabled at Town Hall.
The developer also faces opposition from a young family who are refusing to leave their terrace on the lot. The development now plans to build around them.
Salwin will give Tap Gallery one month’s notice before they have to vacate the space, which they are yet to receive.
Tap Gallery Director Lesley Dimmick, who has ran the sprawling exhibition space, independent theatre and drawing classes and launched many lesser-known artists’ exhibition careers, was one of many to object the development during its exhibition. She sent an email to city councillors protesting the site’s demolition, and was subsequently visited by Clover Moore Independent Team (CMIT) Cr Philip Black, who mentioned alternate venues around Darlinghurst.
The Gallery is now seeking a new space to continue their business. ‘We have no intention to stop,’ said Dimmick.
But notice and development beckons. They could move across the road and occupy the under-utilised Heffron Hall temporarily. The heritage substation and underground toilets at Taylor Square, which council are redeveloping, remains without a tenant, as does the top floor of the landmark Gowings building on Oxford St.
The gallery remains hopeful of an accommodation grant. ‘We’ve spent half a million dollars on rent since we’ve been in this building,’ said Dimmick. ‘It’s crippling for the arts industry.’