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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Marking 20 years of the National Art School Gallery, we are thrilled to share this year's program of ambitious group and solo exhibitions that foster critical appreciation and innovative art practice.
 
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April
Opening: Thurs 22 January, 6pm
Bringing together over thirty of Australia's most dynamic artists united by one charged medium: spray paint, presented as part of @sydney_festival.
 
Queer Contemporary: Liz Bradshaw
13 February – 7 March
Opening: Thurs 12 February, 6pm
Experience a large-scale sculpture and installation by NAS alum Liz Bradshaw as part of @sydneymardigras.
 
Mitch Cairns: Artist's Mouth
1 May – 11 July
Opening: Thurs 30 April, 6pm
Presented with the @instituteofmodernart, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition by Sydney-based artist and NAS alum Mitch Cairns.
 
Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste
31 July – 25 October
Opening: Thurs 30 July, 6pm
Celebrating the legacy of NAS alum and one of Australia's most beloved painters, Margaret Olley AC.
 
The Postgrad Show 
6–15 November
 
The Grad Show
4–13 December

Full program 🔗 in bio.
 
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Howard Arkley, 'Triple fronted', 1987, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mollie and Jim Gowing Bequest Fund 2014 © The Estate of Howard Arkley, courtesy Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Prudence MacLeod Prize. 

The Prudence MacLeod Prize, which will continue for a further three years, supports a recent National Art School graduate to undertake a six-month residency at @acme.art, London.

Supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, the Prize provides an emerging artist with an opportunity to step forward into an expanded, international context at a vital time in their career. The artist will live and work in London, one of the world's great art cities, in a supportive artist community. This important opportunity will enable the artist to forge professional international contacts, explore London's art world and rich cultural resources, and produce a new body of work.

The recipient of this Prize will receive:
– Return travel to London. To be arranged for the artist by NAS.
– Studio accommodation and workspace at Acme Studios for 6 months.
– Living stipend of $AUD3,500 per month for 6 months. Total $AUD21,000.

Application deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026, 11.59pm
Residency: Monday 6 July – Friday 18 December 2026

The Prudence MacLeod Prize is open to eligible NAS alumni who have graduated within the past five years and meet the selection criteria.

Learn more 🔗 in bio. 

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Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive
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