Announcement: The Gunnery redevelopment project and Artspace’s relocation to the National Art School

Announcement: The Gunnery redevelopment project and Artspace’s relocation to the National Art School

The Gunnery redevelopment project and Artspace’s relocation to the National Art School

‘In November 2020 the NSW Government announced a $5 million investment to transform The Gunnery into a state-of-the-art facility. The redevelopment is now progressing and we would like to update you on Artspace’s news.

Artspace has now temporarily vacated The Gunnery to make way for the redevelopment project with a vision to reopen the entire building to the public in late 2022. Our revitalised facilities will include expanded galleries; additional free artist studios, increasing our support to more than 100 artists over the next 10 years; universal access for our community through upgraded amenities; public access to our 35-year program archive; and a new flexible learning space for education and local outreach programs.

Our temporary offsite home will be at the National Art School (NAS) campus in Darlinghurst and we look forward to furthering the strong relationship between our two institutions. Artspace will collaborate with NAS faculty to support professional development programs and mentorships for students, and present several flagship exhibitions on campus, including the next NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for NAS and Artspace to share advocacy and programs to support practising and upcoming Australian artists into the future.

COVID-19 has impacted our arts community in many ways, but Artspace remains committed to providing opportunities that support artists and audiences even in the most challenging times.

We hope everyone is staying safe and we look forward to sharing more news about The Gunnery redevelopment and future programming over the coming months.’

– Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director and Andrew Cameron, Chair

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Ever wondered what it’s like studying at the National Art School?

Find out at our Open Day on Saturday 6 September, 10am to 4pm.

Considering art as a career or simply curious about what happens behind the school’s historic sandstone walls? Save the date on Eventbrite (link in bio) to see what life is like for students at NAS by participating in studio demonstrations, chatting to our academic staff and visiting the NAS Gallery and student exhibition spaces across our campus.
The National Art School was saddened to hear of the recent death of artist and NAS alumnus Bruce Goold (1948-2025).

Born in Newcastle in 1948, from 1961- 65 Bruce attended Sydney Grammar School, where he studied art with ceramicist and potter Gordon McCausland. This was followed by a year at the National Art School, Newcastle. Here he experimented with various mediums and made his first linocut. He then studied at the National Art School, c. 1967-68. 

Bruce was a member of the artist collective Yellow House between 1970-72. The former Clune Gallery in Kings Cross was transformed by Martin Sharp and a group of fellow artists, who painted the exterior bright yellow and covered its internal walls with murals, portraits and decoration. Artists such as Brett Whiteley, Peter Wright, Bruce Goold, Greg Weight and Peter Kingston turned the building into an artwork, while visiting bands and celebrities made it a regular fixture of the Sydney scene.

Known principally as a printmaker, Goold created coloured linocuts and woodblocks including many images of Australian flora and fauna, as well as South Pacific inspired esoteric and symbolic subjects. He held solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and internationally in London and Ireland. He received major commissions for poster, logo and interior design and worked as a designer for Mambo from 1992. 

A retrospective exhibition, Bruce Goold, Artist, Designer, Printmaker, curated by Therese Kenyon, was held at Manly Art Gallery & Museum in 2008.
The National Art School extends its sympathies to Bruce’s family and many friends.
—
Greg Weight, 'Bruce Goold', 1998, NAS Collection
Got a young artist at home?

Art Club Term 3 is now open for enrolment — and we’ve got an exciting painting program lined up. This term, kids will explore styles like Expressive Acrylics and Contemporary Watercolour, all while building their confidence and creativity.

Monday afternoons, led by artist and educator Grant Bellamy. 

Visit the link in bio to learn more and enrol.
Thank you to everyone who attended the opening night and weekend celebrations for The Neighbour at the Gate. 

The Neighbour at the Gate is now open until Saturday 18 October 2025
11am – 5pm Monday to Saturday
NAS Gallery
Free admission, all welcome

Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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