For this years Spring1883, we collaborated with the CAVES team to create outfits that echo the colour and mood of the works they’re showing, bringing the exhibition’s palette and atmosphere into what’s worn within the space. We sat down with CAVES’ director Storm to talk about the gallery’s first decade, the works on show this year, and the ideas that continue to drive their programming.
CAVES has just marked a decade — what feels most significant when you look back on those 10 years?
Most significantly, we’ve had the privilege of presenting over 100 exhibitions and working with more than 250 artists. Looking back, we’re proud to have played a part in supporting and championing so many careers, and to have contributed to the growth of a vibrant artistic community.
How has the Melbourne art scene changed since you started, and where do you see CAVES within that shift
When we began seriously considering opening an artist-run space in 2014, there were only a handful of not-for-profits around, and hardly any on a micro scale. It was an exciting challenge, with plenty to learn and no set roadmap for how to sustain a space long-term. We started small, driven by curiosity and enthusiasm, and over the past 10 years we’ve seen a welcome shift towards project spaces in share houses and backyard studios—creative hubs that prove there’s no one way to nurture a thriving arts community.
How does the diversity of styles contribute to the overall atmosphere or message of the presentation?
For this year’s edition of Spring, we’ve brought together artists whose distinct yet complementary practices create a dynamic interplay—shifting fluidly between the abstract and the familiar, the intuitive and the formal. This diversity of approaches enriches the atmosphere, inviting multiple points of entry for the viewer and allowing layered conversations to emerge between the works.
Is there a mood or theme that ties this year’s exhibition together, or something you hope visitors take away from seeing these works together?
While colour isn’t the central theme, it plays an essential role in navigating the unique spatial qualities of a hotel suite—especially at the Windsor. Subtle thematic connections emerge between the artists and their works, enriching the overall presentation. In this faux-domestic setting, thoughtful placement becomes key, transforming the space into an intimate and dynamic viewing experience
What’s next for CAVES after Spring1883?
Following Spring, we’ll present four solo exhibitions to conclude our 2025 program. With 2026 already programmed, our focus will turn to planning and preparation. Looking further ahead, we’re excited to be establishing an artist-in-residence program in Kofu, Japan, set to launch in late 2026.
Want more?
→ Get Tickets to Spring1883 Art Fair
→ Visit Caves Gallery
→ Artists from the exhibition:
- Aaron C. Carter
- Amanda Florence
- Anna Varendorff
- Clara Joyce
- Michael Morley (Aotearoa/NZ)