Just five summers ago, Phillip Island Contemporary Exhibition Space (PICES) launched an ambitious program to bring contemporary art to the community.  Starting with a prefabricated building and later exhibiting at The Ramada Resort, PICES has showcased over 100 artists, most of whom had never exhibited on the island before.

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In 2024, in partnership with the Bass Coast Shire Council, artists had the opportunity to exhibit for the first time in a purpose-built gallery in Berninneit, Cowes.  This state-of-the-art facility features gallery lighting, tracking systems, unbroken wall length, high walls, and sound and visual systems.  This marked a "coming of age for PICES," establishing its brand as a recognized name among artists and visitors alike.

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Notably, PICES has:

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• Showcased a diversity of mediums, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, weaving, sculpture, pyrography, and glassmaking.

• Featured artists with minimal curated exhibition experience alongside long-standing artists.

• Seen previously exhibited artists encouraging their colleagues to apply during Expressions of Interest calls.

• Inspired artists to create new works specifically for PICES.

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Visitor numbers have more than quadrupled, with one patron noting, "A wonderful concept – trusting it continues."  Additionally, sales value has doubled.

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As I visit each artist’s studio for discussion and selection of works for the PICES Pop Up Exhibition, I continue to be not only impressed by the originality and variety of works offered but by the artist’s shared enthusiasm for this initiative.

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PICES continues to innovate, as shown in projects like Hoard (2022) and PICES in Focus (2024).  Now, we are excited to introduce the PICES Pop In 50 x 50 Exhibition as part of our 2024/2025 program.

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PICES looks forward to showcasing works from past exhibitors and introducing new artists to our acclaimed exhibition program.

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Warren Nichols

Curator