By KATE BRANCH

On Friday 31 October, Mosman Art Gallery will host the inaugural Mosman Art Gala – a black-tie evening where creativity, heritage and glamour take centre stage in a not-to-be-missed event.

Like New York’s famed Met Gala – where fashion isn’t just worn but archived, the Mosman Art Gala will honour a single artist each year, preserving their work as part of a living, evolving collection.

And it begins in the most Mosman of ways – with a nod to Curlew Camp.

Over a century ago, Mosman was the heart of Australia’s most progressive art movement with the likes of Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, and Albert Henry Fullwood living in tents at Curlew Camp, painting en plein air by day and dining under lanterns at night.

These weren’t just bohemian picnics – the artists designed themed menus for each evening, illustrated by hand, many of which are now treasured in the Mosman Library archives.

This year, the Mosman Art Gala will revive this tradition – choosing a leading artist-ambassador to design a keepsake screen printed menu that will join the gallery’s permanent collection as a lasting piece of Australian art history.

The inaugural honour goes to Louise Olsen – co-founder of Dinosaur Designs, and a renowned artist whose emotionally resonant pieces recently drew acclaim at Sydney Contemporary.

To complement Olsen’s vision, guests will enjoy a culinary experience by Executive Chef Rob Hodgson (ex-Bayswater Brasserie and La Grande Bouffe)

This night of art, food, and fundraising supports the Gallery’s growing slate of programs – including artist residencies, new exhibitions and deeper community outreach.

As Gallery Director Steven Alderton puts it:

“We are excited to develop new programs for our Mosman community and beyond; including a new Youth Art Club, an all-day super-creative school holiday program and to develop a senior’s art series so Mosman Art Gallery can become the front door to art in northern Sydney.”

Already confirmed are Judy and Ken Done OAM, Interior Designer and Mosman Art Walk chairperson Ann King, plus other artistic luminaries committed to shaping Australia’s creative future.

And for Louise Olsen, the honour is more than symbolic. Like those archived pieces at the Met, hers will become part of a permanent story. The first of many. A tradition that ties today’s talent to Australia’s great creative legacy.

Event Details

:

• Mosman Art Gala
• Friday 31 October
• Mosman Art Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Way
• 6pm – Champagne Portraits & Live Performances
• 7pm – Gala Dinner, Live Art Auction, Pledges & Luxury Raffle
• 10pm – Afterparty beneath the stars



Tickets:

• 
Individual: $250
• 
Art Supporter Table (10): $2,500
• Art Lover Table: $7,500
• Art Hero Table: $20,000 (includes premium seating + exclusive artist engagement)

* Kate Branch is Chief Marketing Officer at The Albert Mosman, a photographer, and a committee member of the Mosman Art Gala.