The Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Brisbane, Australia's longest-running independent contemporary art gallery, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a surrealist-themed gala dinner and art auction on October 31 at The Calile Hotel. The event features a sit-down banquet, a benefit auction with works by leading artists including 2025 Archibald Prize winner Julie Fragar, a raffle with prizes from local venues, and live performances. Attendees are encouraged to dress in black tie with a surrealist twist, and artists will be present to interact with buyers.
The IMA was founded in 1975 by locals frustrated with conservative mainstream galleries and has since become a vital space for experimental and boundary-pushing art, hosting international figures like Marina Abramović and Ai Weiwei. The gala is a key fundraiser that highlights emerging artists and underscores the IMA's role in fostering Brisbane's creative community. This milestone event not only celebrates the gallery's legacy but also reinforces its ongoing mission to provide accessible, unconventional art in a city not typically associated with modern art.