Uncover some of Hobart’s hidden gems

Venture between the cracks of the commercial galleries at Salamanca Place and you’ll find lots of smaller galleries and studios filled with local art and crafts. The best place to start is at the Salamanca Arts Centre; beneath the floorboards of the large, upstairs galleries is a maze of artist collectives and studios scattered around the ground floor of the building.

Hammer and Hand

Hammer and Hand is a jewellery and metal work collective that’s become an iconic feature of the Salamanca Arts Centre since its inception in 1994. Hammer and Hand is a workshop and gallery that places a strong emphasis on providing a mentoring role for emerging, self-employed members. The gallery is renowned for its unique, bold and eclectic range of jewellery and metalwork.

Expect to see Hammer and Hand staffed by one of the nine-strong members of the collective, tinkering away behind the counter among the wide range of forged iron pieces, stainless steel utensils, fine art, sculpture and handcrafted leather and metal accessories.

FIND – Contemporary Jewellery Collective is a ten-member strong collective featuring contemporary jewellery by a diverse range of local artists. Chat to one of the artists about the wide range of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and brooches on display. FIND is invested in promoting the art of jewellery making to the wider community, as well as supporting local, emerging talent.

Inside Spacebar Gallery

Inka Gallery is another gem tucked behind the historic façade of the Salamanca Arts Centre. Established in 1999 by four local art school graduates, Inka is a non-profit artist run collective that aims to promote Tasmanian contemporary art. Initially focused on drawing, Inka now displays a wide range of works in different mediums from a diverse range of artists.

Wander into The Maker and you’ll find yourself among glassware, jewellery, homewares and bags made by contemporary Tasmanian artists. The Maker’s speciality is however clothing – they stock a range of local brands with a big collection of clothes for adults and kids that are designed by LJ Struthers and made in Tasmania.

Spacebar Gallery is a small store that crams in a wide variety of handmade goods made by local and interstate designers. Here you’ll find jewellery, clothing, accessories, stationary, clothes and footwear and homewares. Well worth a look.

Check out our guide to the larger art galleries and cultural hotspots on the Hobart waterfront for a big day out!

Article published 13 October 2015