EVENT: SAVE FIRSTDRAFT ART AUCTION

It’s Sydney’s oldest artist run initiative, where some of the best young artists have gotten their break. And it’s about to go down in smoke unless some serious cash collateral can douse the flames. Firstdraft Gallery on Chalmers St in Surry Hills has had its doors open since 1986, although they then opened onto Abercrombie St, Chippendale. But the ethos of supporting emerging creative practitioners in a not-for-profit environment remains the same. Withstanding rats, rotten boards and sky-rocketing rental prices, the current hurdle is a compulsory Council fire order. And the boost they need is $20,000 – to which many galleries, curators and leading artists are lending a hand. The end result? An art auction fundraiser featuring the likes of Del Kathryn Barton, Mike Parr and Mikala Dwyer, hosted by the doyenne of contemporary art in Sydney, Elizabeth Ann McGregor. Hopefully, her fiery hair and the sparks flying from the hammer will be the last pyrotechnics on the premises.

Thu Sept 3, 6-9pm, Firstdraft Gallery, 116-118 Chalmers St, Surry Hills, 9698 3665 or firstdraftgallery.com