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The UNSEEN Exhibition is a tribute to the invisibility of women in the arts, and will span across multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles.

Melbourne Gallery Director Professor Catherine Bell said the W.A.R member's exhibition would be an "eclectic" display of female-led artistry.

"Women artists have historically been underrepresented in museum and gallery collections and overlooked by the mainstream art world," Professor Bell said.

"The ACU Melbourne Gallery is proud to celebrate W.A.R's 50 year milestone. This collection of unseen artworks by women artists, represents the inclusivity and diversity of the archive. We are also pleased to be supporting ACU Alumni Kate Smith who has helped to organise and curate this exhibition as part of her ongoing volunteer work at W.A.R."

"Gender equity in the arts continues to be a challenge, and I hope this exhibition will draw attention to the enormous value and contribution of these intergenerational, women artists in our country."

ACU-Art Gallery of Ballarat Arts Industry PhD candidate Melissa Jane Wilson will present a piece inspired by renowned Australian stained-glass artist Christian Waller.

The Local will feature unique art by ACU Strathfield graduates Damien Nicholls, Rafaela Mori, and Dr Danica Knežević, who is a also a sessional lecturer for the National School of Arts.

Dr Knezevic's work draws on her own lived experience of being a carer. A graduate of ACU's Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design in 2011, she will present an immersive installation titled Life's a Waiting Room for The Local.

Damien Nicholls started his university studies in his fifties, and simultaneously exhibited his first sculptures as a student. His work has been selected for numerous sculpture exhibitions including Sculpture in the Vineyards and Sculptures in the Gardens.

Rafaela Mori, who graduated from ACU in 2023, is one of the country's young artists to watch. Following her first solo show earlier this year, she is swiftly gaining a reputation for her bold paintings of fantastical exotic fruit, works which draw on her Brazilian heritage and experience as a migrant to Australia.

McGlade Gallery Director and exhibition curator Dr Tracey Clement said The Local was a celebration of homegrown talent in the heart of Strathfield.

"The Local celebrates homegrown talent and the 2025 edition goes all out with not one, not two, but three alumni, at different stages of their careers, presenting work side by side with current ACU Strathfield students," Dr Clement said.

"It is such a treat to see students who are just finding their creative voices showing alongside emerging artists and a confident professional. It's a rare snapshot of the artistic trajectory."

The Local will feature works by more than 25 ACU Strathfield art and design students, from prints and video, to illustration and performance pieces.

The Local is made possible through a collaboration between ACU McGlade Gallery and Inner West Neighbour Aid, who received Community Grant funding from Strathfield Council.