TAP Gallery, Sydney

TAP Gallery is an independent, artist-run gallery now located in Surry Hills, at Level 1, 259 Riley Street. Established in the early 1990s, the gallery—its name standing for “To Assist People”—was founded to provide affordable exhibition space and support for emerging and independent artists. For more than two decades, TAP operated in Darlinghurst at several sites, including Taylor Square and Palmer and Burton Streets, before relocating to Surry Hills in 2016. The move continued its tradition of promoting accessible, community-focused art in one of Sydney’s most creatively active neighbourhoods.

The current space maintains the gallery’s flexible, open-plan format, with whitewashed walls and adjustable lighting suited to a variety of media. Exhibitions include painting, photography, installation, and sculpture, often highlighting experimental or non-commercial work. The gallery’s inclusive approach encourages artists at all stages of their careers to exhibit and collaborate, creating a platform for self-expression and dialogue outside the mainstream art market.

Beyond exhibitions, TAP Gallery hosts life-drawing classes, performances, and small community events that sustain its reputation as a cultural hub. Its programs often blur the line between visual art, theatre, and social engagement, fostering collaboration across creative disciplines. Situated in Surry Hills, surrounded by studios, cafés, and design spaces, TAP Gallery continues to play an important role in Sydney’s independent art scene, offering a welcoming space for artistic experimentation and public engagement.