Australia's oldest art gallery run by volunteers will celebrate its 30th birthday with a big party and exhibition next week.

Art Arena Gallery in Market Street almost folded two years ago but turned its fortunes around.

On November 7, Art Arena will hold its birthday party at the gallery from 5pm-11pm and the public is invited to join in the fun, which includes a purple carpet, food, drink and entertainment. Tickets cost $25 for non-members and $15 for members.

It is also the official opening of the exhibition, 30 years and 30 artists, which runs from November 4 to 22 - 30 artists who have exhibited at Art Arena have been chosen to display their artworks. They include Sue Bessell, Kathryn Orton, Elspeth McCombe and Mike Gapps.

Featured artist is internationally renowned Elisabeth Cummings, who exhibited at the gallery in its early years. She will display some of her works and talk about her career.

Gallery president Kylie Sweeney de Havilland said Art Arena nearly closed its doors in November 2012 but she and a group of hard-working individuals, such as Beth Crawford, had led the revival and now the gallery had 180 members.

The anniversary was about honouring the artists who had kept the place open.

"We should be really proud of this," de Havilland said.

"It's a community space for everybody to support the arts and cultural industry."

About 12 artists will be made life members, including John Telford, Pat St George, Audrey Bernays and Max Green.

The event was also for younger artists to enjoy the night with some of their mentors.

Gallery member Victoria Velozo said Art Arena was set up in 1984 in an office in Crown Street Mall by arts students and older artists who found it difficult to get into Wollongong Art Gallery.

Tickets, information: 4226 9596 or www.trybooking.com