Leading hotel icon transforms Ibis into art gallery
Leading hotelier and patron of the arts Dr Jerry Schwartz is using one of his hotels to house satirical art competition, the Bald Archy Prize.
Schwartz has been involved with the competition since 2018 and needed a suitable gallery to host the finalists and announce the winning entry.
He first created a ‘pop-up’ gallery from a storeroom at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
However, when he reimagined the Sofitel as a luxurious hotel day spa – the Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour, he needed a new venue for the awards.
Enter Ibis Sydney Barangaroo.
Recognisable from its multi-coloured exterior and prominent city position, the hotel became a likely host.
Schwartz transformed the atmospheric lounge of the small hotel into a mini art gallery.
Behind the transformation was Museum of the Riverina team, which now runs the competition.
Subjects this year included PM Anthony Albanese and former PM, Scott Morrison, along
George Pell, Gina Rinehart, Rupert Murdoch, Ash Barty, Daryl Maguire, ‘Mona Livia’ Newton-John, Wayne Bennett and King Charles and Dame Edna Everage.
The winner was Brisbane artist Marty Steel, for his portrait of Bald Archy Prize founder, Peter Batey.
Steel took home a cheque for $10,000.
“Peter hated the ‘stuffiness’ of the traditional art scene. He wanted people to enjoy art in convivial surroundings, have a drink and a laugh – and that’s precisely what we have done with the venue at Ibis Sydney Barangaroo,” Dr Schwartz said.
“Hotels – like art – need to change with the times. Gone are the days when hotel lobbies were like mausoleums, all marble and empty. We want to bring people and life back into hotels, make them energetic public spaces, and part of the community. This exhibition has already attracted lots of Sydneysiders to the hotel, and our corporate and leisure guests also love the buzz it has created.
“The exhibition will be at the Ibis Sydney for a month before touring major regional centres around NSW, including Newcastle, where we will host the exhibition at our Rydges hotel.
The exhibition at the Ibis Sydney Barangaroo will be held until 14 April, from 10am – 4pm.
Irit Jackson, 28th March 2023
