The Gallery in the Sky program is a charitable initiative established by Crema Group in 2015.
Every year, Crema Group uses its high-profile construction sites to provide a platform for budding Australian artists to showcase their work while supporting a charity of their choice.
We see this as a unique opportunity to give back to the people of Melbourne, a city we are lucky to call home.
For our most recent initiative, Crema issued a creative competition brief to VCA giving local student artists the opportunity to submit their art. The lucky winner chosen was Simon Clark from Melbourne University.
His artwork is inspired by WW2 – the geometric “Dazzle” pattern – camouflage ships on open ocean. Its modern interpretation is of 21st century Melbourne’s eclectic and vibrant diversity, the red colours symbolising the beating heart of the people and community.
This collaboration is in support of Front Yard Youth Services by Melbourne City Mission who provide assistance and services to vulnerable youth, addressing their social, physical and emotional needs, in efforts to break the cycle of homelessness.
Last year, Crema collaborated with renowned Victorian artist, Megan Weston, to showcase her work, aptly titled Melbourne. This huge art installation measured 10.6 metres by 6.9 metres and rose 65 metres above ground, facing one of Melbourne’s major arterial roads, Kings Way. We collaborated with Megan to support TRY – South Melbourne Children’s Centre, which delivers access to early learning for the vulnerable and those at risk.
Crema Group’s 2017 Gallery in the Sky installation featured artwork by indigenous artist Ray Traplin at ‘Fabric’ on Little Lonsdale Street. Life in the Ocean a colourful rendition of Australia’s underwater wildlife was erected in June in support of the not-for-profit organisation, The Torch. The Torch provides art, cultural and arts vocational support to incarcerated members of the indigenous community.
Through their Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program, The Torch supports creative skills and expressive methods of art to assist prisoners in returning to the community and reducing the occurrence of recidivism. Following their release, emerging artists are assisted in fostering new networks and employment opportunities to increase their levels of legitimate and self-generated income.
In 2016 Crema Group collaborated with contemporary artist Joshua Miels to showcase his powerful portrait The Collector at 661 Chapel Street. Miels’ artwork explores the contrast between public and private displays of emotional state of mind. As a male with a family history of anxiety, addiction and depression, it was seemingly appropriate that Miels’ showcase supported Beyond Blue in a hope to raise awareness for men’s mental health issues. Beyond Blue provides Australian-wide support for individuals and families affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
The Gallery in the Sky program launched in 2015 with Crema Group’s major high-rise project in Southbank, Marco Apartments. Displayed on the construction sites’ hoarding, Everything You Change, a stunning portrait by established street artist Adnate was commissioned in support of Aboriginal family and welfare organisation, VACCA. The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency provide welfare programs and services that aid in protecting and promoting the rights of Aboriginal children, young people and families. All proceeds and an additional donation from Crema Group went towards funding a newly established Art Program mentoring vulnerable Aboriginal children and youth.
