Byron Bowman Kehoe is the Director of Backwoods Gallery in Collingwood, Melbourne, a pioneering space in urban contemporary and street-influenced art and a pillar of Australia’s independent art scene. Over the years, Byron has overseen major exhibition programs at Backwoods, curating and directing shows that connect local Australian talent with international voices. The gallery’s roster and exhibition history reflect strong diversity, spanning murals, installations, emerging media and artist residencies.
On this episode Byron shares why the role of galleries is evolving beyond retail into mentorship, how social media has shifted power from galleries to artists, what today’s collectors are looking for in a digital-first market, how brand collaborations are reshaping the artist’s career path, why in-person art experiences remain irreplaceable, what defines real artistic value and legacy, what emerging artists need to understand about building value, longevity, and legacy in their practice and so much more.
Follow Backwoods Gallery on Instagram: @backwoods.gallery
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