Business Details
18 Years
experience
Men on Men Art Exhibition & Competition in Abbotsford
Laird Hotel has been a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement since 2008. We specialize in showcasing diverse creative works through our annual Men on Men (MOM) Art Exhibition and Competition, which celebrates male and male-identifying artists from all cultural backgrounds. Our venue provides a platform for painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and mixed media, fostering dialogue and appreciation for contemporary art. With dedicated exhibition spaces and regular events, we support emerging and established artists through curated displays and competitive prize opportunities. Our programming includes themed exhibitions, open days, and collaborations with local art organizations to strengthen Melbourne's creative ecosystem. Laird Hotel's team combines decades of hospitality and arts management experience to create inclusive environments for artistic exploration.We maintain partnerships with Deans Art, Framed By You, and VicBears to enhance our offerings and ensure accessibility for all participants. Our venue operates with a commitment to quality service, community involvement, and sustainable practices. Through structured submission processes and transparent judging criteria, we uphold professional standards while remaining approachable to local talent. Our facilities accommodate both private viewings and public events, ensuring flexibility for different artistic expressions. Laird Hotel remains dedicated to evolving with contemporary art trends while maintaining its core mission of supporting creative communities.
Services
Art Exhibition
Art Competition
Accommodation
Event Hosting
Art Sales
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We host Australia's longest-running LGBTQ+ art competition since 2002
- Our exhibitions feature 12+ different artistic mediums including digital and street art
- We offer prize-winning opportunities with tangible career development benefits
- Our venue combines hospitality expertise with dedicated arts management experience
- We maintain partnerships with leading art suppliers and cultural organizations
Services
Art Exhibition
Our curated art exhibitions showcase contemporary works from male and male-identifying artists across Australia. Featuring painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media, these displays run for four-week periods with regular rotations. The venue provides professional presentation standards while maintaining an accessible atmosphere for both established and emerging artists.
Art Competition
The annual Men on Men Art Competition offers three distinct prize categories with tangible career development opportunities. Our judging panel combines art professionals, venue management, and community representatives to ensure balanced evaluations. Winners receive art supply vouchers and exhibition opportunities in subsequent cultural events.
Event Hosting
Our venue accommodates special events including art openings, cultural celebrations, and themed gatherings. With flexible space configurations and hospitality services, we support both private functions and public exhibitions. The facility includes outdoor beer garden access and catering options through our regular event partners.
Art Sales
We facilitate direct artist-audience transactions through our exhibition sales program. Purchased artworks remain on display until final viewing days, with secure payment processing and collection arrangements. Unsold works receive professional return packaging, maintaining artists' investment security throughout the exhibition period.
Community Engagement
Our initiatives promote artistic development through open days, public voting opportunities, and inclusive events. The annual open day welcomes all genders to engage with exhibited works, featuring food services and social activities that foster community connections around contemporary art appreciation.
Questions
What is the Men on Men Art Competition?
Australia's longest-running LGBTQ+ art competition showcasing works from male and male-identifying artists across 12+ mediums, with annual prize opportunities since 2002.
How can artists participate?
Submit digital applications during our open period, with physical artworks delivered to 149 Gipps Street during specified drop-off hours in late May.
When are the exhibition dates?
Artworks display from 31st May to 29th June, with special event dates including the Open Day on 31st May and prize announcements on 13th June.
What prizes are available?
Three categories: Grand Prize ($500 Deans Art voucher), People's Choice ($250 Deans Art voucher), and Steve Scalone Photography Prize ($350 Framed By You voucher).
Is the venue accessible?
Our main exhibition space is wheelchair accessible with assistance available upon request. The beer garden has limited accessibility during special events.
How are artworks sold?
Purchases can be made during exhibition hours with secure payment processing. Collected artworks remain on display until the final viewing day on 29th June.
