Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley
Our Byron community is a podcast that explores the unique and diverse community here in Byron Bay. From how people ended up here to the thriving business scene, we cover a wide range of topics that make our community so special. We dive deep into the stories and experiences of locals, and share insights on everything from sustainability and wellness to art and culture. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor, join us as we celebrate and explore all things Byron!
Our Byron Community with Chris Hanley
Caitlin Reilly | Art, Business and What Shapes Creation
In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin Reilly - artist, gallery owner and co-founder of the Bangalow Station Street Co Op with Hugh Stewart.
Caitlin first came to Byron from Melbourne in 1997, where she’d spent years playing music before settling here for a decade. After completing a Bachelor of Arts, she moved to China in 2009 and lived there for six years before returning to start again from the ground up opening an art gallery beneath The Collective and, later, Gallery 3 in 2020.
She shares what it’s like to wear two hats, running a business while also creating as an artist and how starting from scratch can be both daunting and liberating. Caitlin also reflects on the economic realities of making art, the challenges of sustaining creativity, and how questions of stability and security flow through her work.
Her story is one of resilience, creativity and confronting the bigger issues our communities face - what it means to make a living from art, and why there is no single solution to the housing crisis.
If you’d like to share your story or provide feedback, please contact us via email at chrishanley@byronbayfn.com