Artspace Visual Arts Centre facts for kids
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| Location | Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Type | Contemporary art |
| Visitors | 363,762 (2019) |
Artspace, also known as Artspace Visual Arts Centre, is a special place in Sydney, Australia. It's an independent art centre that helps new ideas in contemporary art and culture grow. Artspace is located in a historic building called The Gunnery, right by Sydney Harbour in Woolloomooloo.
Since the 1980s, Artspace has been a key spot for Australian and international artists. It helps artists, curators (people who choose art for shows), and writers share their work.
In December 2023, Artspace reopened after a big makeover. It now has more exhibition spaces. It also has more free studios for artists to work in.
Artspace gets support from different Australian government groups. These include the Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy, Create NSW, and Creative Australia. It's also part of a group called Contemporary Art Organisations Australia.
Contents
History of Artspace
Artspace started in 1983. It was created by artists themselves. Their goal was to show new and experimental art. At that time, many art galleries were commercial. Artspace wanted to be different. It focused on helping new and early-career artists.
Artspace first opened in Surry Hills. It was in an old hat factory. This building was sadly destroyed in a fire in 2023. The first big show there was called 'A Different Perspective'. In its early years, Artspace showed art by many artists who later became famous. These included Mikala Dwyer, Rosemary Laing, Lindy Lee, Banduk Marika, and Tracey Moffatt.
In 1992, Artspace moved to its current home. This is The Gunnery in Woolloomooloo. The Gunnery building is now a heritage site. It was built around 1900 as a storage place. Later, the government used it for defence. In the 1970s, artists started using the building. They used it for studios, performances, and art shows.
In 1989, the government wanted to sell The Gunnery. Artists protested and saved the building. In 1991, it was decided that The Gunnery would become an art centre. Artspace moved in the next year.
In 2015, Artspace received money to improve The Gunnery's ground floor. This helped them create new programs. These included the Ideas Platform and free studios for artists.
In 2021, Artspace began a major transformation. They wanted to make it a bigger art centre. This meant more exhibition spaces and more artist studios. The entrance moved from Cowper Wharf Road to Forbes Street Plaza. The whole building was updated. It now has expanded galleries and better access for everyone. The first floor has new spaces for education and public programs. Artspace reopened in December 2023.
Important Exhibitions
Artspace has shown many important exhibitions over the years. These shows often focus on new ideas and different artists.
- Koori Art 84 was shown in September 1984. It was the first exhibition to focus on new Aboriginal artists. Many of these artists were from cities. It included works by Banduk Marika, Fiona Foley, and Michael Riley.
- TWO WORLDS COLLIDE: Cultural Convergence in Aboriginal and White Australia Art was in 1985. This show explored how Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal art styles came together. It featured artists like Banduk Marika and Trevor Nickolls.
- Frames of Reference: Aspects of Feminism and Art was in 1991. This exhibition looked at how women artists used art to explore feminist ideas. It included works by Vivienne Binns, Julie Rrap, and Lindy Lee.
Artspace Programs
Since 1983, Artspace has supported new artists. It helps them show their contemporary and experimental art. Each year, Artspace hosts many art projects and artist residencies. It also runs public programs and education activities. They also publish books about art.
Biennale of Sydney
Artspace has been a partner of the Biennale of Sydney since 1992. A Biennale is a large art exhibition that happens every two years.
Many famous artists have shown their work at Artspace during the Biennale. These include Ai Weiwei and Ibrahim Mahama. The 23rd Biennale of Sydney was called rīvus. Artspace showed works by artists from many countries. These included Jumana Emil Abboud and Dineo Seshee Bopape.
Touring Exhibitions
Artspace also sends its exhibitions on tour. They partner with Museums & Galleries of NSW. This allows people in regional parts of Australia to see the art. These tours have visited places like Tweed Regional Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery.
Studios for Artists
Since 2015, Artspace has offered free studio spaces to artists. This is very special, as few places in Australia do this. The One Year Studio Program gives ten artists a free studio each year. This space helps them try new ideas and create new art.
Artists are chosen for these studios through an application process. This program helps artists connect with others. It also helps their careers grow.
2024 One Year Studio Residents
- Brian Fuata
- David M Thomas
- Gemma Smith
- Jack Ball
- Jazz Money
- Julia Gutman
- Latai Taumoepeau
- Leyla Stevens
- Thea Anamara Perkins
- Tina Havelock Stevens
52 artists 52 actions
This project started in 2018. It involved one artist or group each week. They would create art "actions" in different places in the Asia-Pacific region. During the pandemic, the project moved online. Since 2022, the project has toured Australia. It shows works from the original 52 artists.
NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship
Artspace also helps new artists with a special award. It's called the NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship. This award gives $30,000 to a new artist in New South Wales. It helps them develop their career.
While Artspace was being renovated, this award was presented at other Sydney art places. Before 2012, it was known as the Helen Lempriere Travelling Art Scholarship.
Recent Fellowship Recipients
- 2023 – Morgan Hogg
- 2022 – Eddie Abd
- 2020 – Dennis Golding
- 2019 – Shivanjani Lal
- 2018 – EO Gill
VOLUME
Artspace hosts VOLUME, an international book fair. This event happens every two years. It brings together publishers and artists from around the world. The 2017 fair had 70 exhibitors from many countries. It also included talks, workshops, and performances.
International Visiting Curators Program
Artspace also has a program for international curators. This program helps Australian artists connect with art experts from other countries. It helps share Australian art with the world.
Directors of Artspace
Alexie Glass-Kantor has been the Executive Director of Artspace since 2013.
Artspace Executive Directors
- Alexie Glass-Kantor (2013–present)
- Blair French (2006–13)
- Nicholas Tsoutas (1994–2005)
- Louise Pether (1992–94)
- Sally Couacaud (1988–1992)
- Gary Sangster (1984–87)
- Judy Annear (1982–83)
See Also
Images for kids
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Artspace building exterior
