The Clayton Utz Art Partnership launches Melbourne expansion with local talent

Melbourne, 6 July 2018: The Clayton Utz Art Partnership initiative has expanded to include its Melbourne office, giving Australian artists a second Clayton Utz sponsored platform to showcase their work. The inaugural Melbourne exhibition features 62 artworks by artists Jon Cattapan and Dane Lovett displayed in the reception and client areas of the firm's 333 Collins Street premises.

As one of Australia's most celebrated painters, Jon has been awarded some of the country's highest accolades for his achievements in visual arts. This includes his 2008 commission with The Australian War Memorial as Australia's 63rd official war artist, and receiving the $80,000 Bulgari Art Award in 2013. Jon is also the current Director of the Victorian College of the Arts, Faculty of VCA and MCM.

Dane is a coveted emerging painter and the recipient of numerous awards, grants and artist residencies, including the 2008 Clayton Utz Art Award (formerly known as LAUNCH: Clayton Utz Travelling Arts Scholarship). His works have been acquired by major Australian institutions, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artbank, Gold Coast City Gallery, as well as many private collections in Australia and overseas. 

Speaking at the exhibition's launch cocktail event on Tuesday 19 June, Clayton Utz's Deputy Chief Executive Partner, Bruce Cooper said the partnership is unique for its differentiated approach by a law firm supporting the visual arts.  

"Our clients and staff were incredibly receptive to the launch of the Clayton Utz Art Partnership in Sydney last year, so we saw real benefit in bringing the initiative to Melbourne where we anticipate a similar positive engagement," said Bruce. "The augmentation of our Art Partnership to include Melbourne demonstrates again the innovative approach Clayton Utz takes to its interactions with clients: from connecting visual arts and business communities, to developing smart commercial solutions for clients, to creating positive workplace environments for our people."

Similar to the firm's Sydney initiative, the Clayton Utz Art Partnership in Melbourne will feature regular six-monthly exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists at different stages in their careers. Both partnerships are managed and curated by 3:33 Art Projects.

Learn more about Clayton Utz and the Arts.