NGV Friday Nights returns this winter with some of Melbourne’s most vibrant live acts

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has announced the performer line-up for the 2023 NGV Friday Nights featuring headline act, ARIA award winner Adrian Eagle. The 19-week season from 9 June to 7 October brings a kaleidoscope of colour and soulful sounds to Melbourne’s winter nights in celebration of Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® exhibition Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi.  

The live music series traverses disco, jazz, and soul with performances by R&B singer-songwriter Ashwarya, the enigmatic Melbourne-based Glass Beams, and Noongar soul singer Bumpy, in addition to live DJ sets from C000kie, Zepherin Saint, and Chris Gill. Singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle will launch the series on 9 June with his melodic fusion of gospel and hip-hop in the Great Hall. 

NGV Friday Nightsoffers late-night access to Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi, a major world-premiere exhibition delivered in partnership with the Musee d’Orsay, Paris. The exhibition presents more than 100 works by the leading French painter Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) and brings late 19th and early 20th century France to life through paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs. The exhibitionpresents Bonnard’s works within a bold and captivating scenography from international design icon, India Mahdavi who will employ her designs with Bonnard’s distinct use of colour and texture. 

Visitors can also enjoy an interactive pop-up experience from MIMCO, fusing art and design across the NGV Friday Nights series in Federation Court. 

The Yering Station Wine Bar offers a selection of Yarra Valley wines and a wine tasting experience featuring a menu of Shiraz, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. The Pommery Champagne Bar in the Gallery Kitchen will serve Champagne and a menu of share plates and meals inspired by regional French cuisin including Gruyère croquettes, cheese boards, cassoulet, and sweet profiteroles. 

Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said: ‘The latest series of NGV Friday Nights enriches Melbourne’s vibrant winter nightlife offering after-hours access to Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi and celebrating two creatives revered for their bold use of colour. We’re delighted to welcome Victorians and visitors to Melbourne to experience leading local musicians and celebrate the vivid display of art, design and music this winter’. 

NGV Friday Nights takes place 9 June – 6 October 2023 at NGV International, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Further information and tickets are available via the NGV website.