Photography is a powerful medium

Good photography excites our senses, challenges our perceptions, and helps us better consider our world.

The District Docklands is excited to welcome MAGNET; a gallery space established with togetherness at its core, uniting people with an interest in and a passion for photography. It’s a place to share their knowledge, experience and aspiration; a place to gain new insights and expertise.

MAGNET is a non-for-profit organisation, founded to help on many levels, using photography as a tool to raise money for worthy causes. At MAGNET, established and emerging photographers are supported in a place where the best in Australian photography is preserved and celebrated.

MAGNET was founded four years ago in a historic building near Southern Cross Station. Founder Michael Silver has been working in photography for 51 years. His first job was at Alan’s Studios on Smith St in Collingwood at just 15 years of age. Michael is passionate about helping charities, most recently travelling and photographing for the Emergency Medicine Foundation.

MAGNET first joined The District in 2017, opening a gallery in the Docklands Art Collective, which was an initiative of Renew Australia. Today, MAGNET continues to enhance the customer experience at the precinct, with a new and unique space to explore.

Michael Silver said: “At MAGNET, everyone is welcome.” The space is made up of two large galleries of different character. In Gallery 1, you will find Photonet Fine Art Printing, the best quality archival printing available. Michael and his wife Susanne provide a tailored service for each client to ensure they get the best possible result. They also scan film, glass negatives and prints.

Gallery 2 is the main event space, which is currently hosting a bi-monthly get together of female photographers with Joyce Evans Women’s Circle. Former president of the Australian Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs will join a session later in the year as key speaker. Music and performance events are a regular occurrence at MAGNET organised by a wonderful group of Brazilian friends and led by Julia Calasso. The space is available for events beyond photography including corporate and private events, book launches, poetry readings, lectures and gatherings, a vibrant accessible and interesting environment that fosters creativity.

MAGNET would not exist without its volunteers. Michael said: “We welcome people of all walks of life, with skills and interests that can help strengthen our ethos of supporting and helping others.” MAGNET also collaborates with many groups and organisations, including The Royal Society, Fuji, University of Melbourne, Manning Clark House, Australian Photographic Society and more. “With the new space at The District, more collaborations, activations and events are now possible,” Mr Silver said.

MAGNET has already had resounding success since its re-launch in the new space, seeing many new and returning visitors. Its first exhibition was a very special awards night when the Australian Photographic Society revealed the winner of its inaugural Australian Conceptual Photography Prize, with many attendees travelling from interstate to be a part of the event.

MAGNET at The District is open for everyone to explore, so why not check out the next exhibition, Still Beautiful by Kaz Leong, opening Sunday, September 8 at 4.30pm, on exhibit until September 29. Still Beautiful celebrates and empowers women who, through their skill and creativity, have bought beauty and joy into others’ lives and who have been role models and trail blazers socially and in the arts.

Magnet Galleries Melbourne Inc. is located at Wharf Street, The District Docklands and is open Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm daily.

magnet.org.au