Tired of going to exhibition openings where the wine comes in plastic and it’s too crowded to see the art? You’ll want to check out La Rosa Social Club, a pop-up art bar and performance space open over the next week as part of Sydney’s annual Semi Permanent design festival.
The bar, which first appeared last year at the LA Art Book Fair, is the work of filmmaker and curator Aaron Rose, who has explored the festival theme “Design for Change” by bringing together a band of 20 contributing international designers and artists.
“I’ve been working in art for many years and I just got bored with the gallery presentation of artworks”, says Rose. “I thought it would be interesting to change the perception of what an exhibition can be.”
Rose has commissioned everything from wine bottles to cushions for the space, while artwork by the likes of Ed Templeton, Lola Rose Thompson and Brian Roettinger will feature on cocktail napkins. With each napkin Rose hopes to take the “hierarchy and exclusivity out of art” by giving guests what’s effectively a limited-edition print with each drink.
On offer behind the milk-crate bar is a selection of local wine, craft beer, Sangria, and Bellinis from The Corner House while Sammy’s Burger Bar supplies the burgers and sweet-potato fries.
La Rosa Social Club, until 1 June, 5pm-10.30pm, Elston Room, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, NSW. All events are free, but registration is essential. Register at La Rosa Social Club.