Surry Hills’ creative landscape has a new addition, with The Photographic Gallery bringing a dedicated space for contemporary photography to Foster Street.
Located in the ‘The Hollywood Quarter’, the new gallery aims to create a space where established photographers and emerging artists can share powerful visual stories, while also becoming a hub for exhibitions, artist talks and hands-on workshops.
The gallery’s launch exhibition, Once upon a time…, runs from the 1st to 27th August 2026 and brings together 13 contemporary photographers from Australia and overseas, exploring everything from street photography and portraiture to landscapes and still life.
A new chapter for Sydney’s photography community
Founded by gallery directors Tim Levy and Katerina Tsompanis, The Photographic Gallery has been created to celebrate photography as both an art form and a way of connecting people with different perspectives.
Levy brings decades of experience across photography, publishing, fine art printing and exhibition curation. As a freelance photographer, industry writer and former Editor of Capture magazine, he has spent years documenting photographers and championing visual storytelling.
Meanwhile, Tsompanis leads the gallery’s creative direction, drawing on her background in media art direction, fine arts, design and photography. Her experience working across lifestyle and fashion brands has shaped the gallery’s contemporary visual identity and collaborative approach.
Together, the pair are focused on creating a space that supports photographers while giving audiences a place to experience photography beyond the traditional gallery visit.
‘Once upon a time…’ celebrates 13 photographic voices
The inaugural exhibition, Once upon a time…, invites visitors into a collection of different narrative worlds, with each photographer presenting their own interpretation of storytelling through images.
The exhibition features works by:
- Brent Lukey
- Carine Thevenau
- Carly Earl
- Cybele Malinowski
- David Niu
- Liz Ham
- Meg Hewitt
- Michele Aboud
- Paul Blackmore
- Scarlet Page
- Sean Fryxell
- Simon Harsent
- Tim Levy
Moreover, the exhibition does not adhere to a single theme or visual style. Instead, it flows across genres and formats, using varied print sizes, scale and presentation styles to create an immersive experience that shifts as visitors move through the gallery.
A new creative destination in Surry Hills
The Photographic Gallery joins a growing collection of independent creative spaces, cafés, restaurants and bars surrounding Foster Street, making it part of one of Surry Hills’ most vibrant cultural pockets.
Alongside exhibitions, the gallery plans to host regular events designed to bring photographers and audiences together, including artist talks and practical workshops.
Finally, the opening of Once upon a time… marks the beginning of the gallery’s program, with organisers inviting visitors to experience the first chapter of what they hope will become a lasting home for photography in Sydney.
Key details
- What: The Photographic Gallery
Where: Level 2, 16–28 Foster Street, Surry Hills
When: Open Wednesday–Friday and Saturday, 11am–5pm. - Current Exhibition: Once upon a time… runs until 27th August 2026.
