An Ode to Gillman Barracks

Where once rowdy soldiers stayed,Now sees fancy art arrayed,What impressive feat of reinvention!From officers’ mess to neat pretension.The hope is that with government backing,Our contemporary art scene might just get cracking.Thirteen galleries… we wish them luck,And so hope the exhibits do not suck.Opening night sure looked a success,1,000 folk in best evening dress,Free food and drink on the big day,But will they be back when they have to pay?Right now it feels somewhat disjointed,Empty rooms leave you disappointed.The highlight? Tagore’s photo spreads.The low? Some low hanging hospital beds.And of course it’s all rather far,And of course they’ve doneaway with old Handlebar,But it could be a condo, not something artistic,So let’s raise a toast and be optimistic!