The Photographic Gallery opens in Sydney
A new dedicated contemporary photography space, The Photographic Gallery, has opened on Foster Street in the heart of Surry Hills’ creative Hollywood Quarter.
Founded by photographer and Capture editor Tim Levy alongside Art Director Katerina Tsompanis, the Level 2 venue fills a glaring absence in the New South Wales photographic scene.
Surrounded by numerous renowned galleries, design studios, cafes, and bars, the space is designed to showcase both established Australian and international artists alongside emerging talent, while fostering a community hub through artist talks and practical workshops.
Tsompanis brings a background spanning fine arts, brand strategy, and media art direction to her role overseeing creative direction. Paired with Levy’s experience across photographic practice and industry journalism, the co-founders have structured the venue to champion fine art print culture and critical engagement with the medium.
"Since Stills Gallery closed in 2017, Blackeye Gallery in 2018, and then Australian Centre of Photography (ACP) went into hibernation in 2020, we felt that Sydney was really missing a dedicated photography gallery and community hub," Levy said in his opening night address. "When the opportunity arose to take over this space, Katerina and I decided to build a venue dedicated to fine art photography and supporting the next generation of Australian photographers."
The space debuts with its inaugural exhibition, Once Upon A Time..., which runs until 13 September 2026.
Featuring works from 13 contemporary Australian and international artists – Michele Aboud, Paul Blackmore, Carly Earl, Sean Fryxell, Liz Ham, Simon Harsent, Meg Hewitt, Brent Lukey, Cybele Malinowski, David Niu, Scarlet Page, Carine Thevenau, and Tim Levy – the show spans street photography, documentary, portraiture, landscape, and fine art still life.
Through varied print scales, custom framing, and distinct paper stocks, the exhibition highlights the tactile power and presence of the physical print in an increasingly digital landscape.