News • Announcement

Save the Date:
Artspace reopens 15 December 2023

Above: DunnHillam Architects, Architect’s render of The Gunnery featuring artwork by Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, 'Fruit Song 生果文', 2022, detail, courtesy the artist

Artspace is thrilled to announce our official reopening of The Gunnery on 15 December 2023.

Artspace is thrilled to announce our official reopening of The Gunnery on 15 December 2023.

 The transformation of The Gunnery is supported by the NSW Government and for the first time in our history, Artspace will occupy all three floors of the building. This critical revitalisation will enable Artspace to continue to be a leading institution for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific, driving ambitious projects with expanded exhibition spaces, increased studio residencies, an accessible archive, multiplatform space and learning studio.

 Artspace will relaunch with a new co-commission by Wiradyuri and Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones titled Jonathan Jones: untitled (transcriptions of country). Premiered at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris in November 2021, Jonathan Jones: untitled (transcriptions of country) will follow with an expanded presentation at Artspace from 15 December 2023.

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:
‘Affordable arts spaces are being squeezed out of our cities. Creatives are seeking more accessible and supportive places to rehearse, create and collaborate. Artspace reopening its doors later this year is an exciting step forward to welcoming more artists, creatives and visitors to the area.

 The NSW Government is glad to foster a contemporary visual arts space which will provide 10 studios for working artists in the heart of the city, nurturing the creative ecosystems in our community.

The revitalisation of The Gunnery in Woolloomooloo preserves and restores the heritage listed building and is an important starting place to begin addressing the need for more dedicated space for creatives in the city.’

 Artspace Executive Director Alexie Glass-Kantor said:
‘In recent times we’ve all had to radically transform, reflect on and rethink how, why and what we do. To know on our 40th birthday that The Gunnery, our home since 1993, will be secure for the next 35 years and that Artspace will increase our ability to support the production, curation and presentation of new work by living artists is extraordinary.

We are beyond excited to return home to The Gunnery and with the incredible support of the NSW State Government, Artspace has a real capacity to be generous in connecting artists and audiences locally, nationally and internationally. I want to acknowledge the leadership of the Artspace Board chaired by Andrew Cameron AM, the collaboration with Michelle Newton, Deputy Director, and the dedicated team at Artspace who together have shaped and realised this incredible vision.

We can’t wait to welcome you all for our opening celebrations and to share what’s possible and what’s next.’

We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks about our opening weekend and Vernissage program.

Jonathan Jones, 'untitled (emu eggs) after Étienne-Pierre Ventenat', 2021–23, and 'untitled (vases, armes, pêche)', 2023. Ceramic work: Somchai Charoen. Courtesy the artists. Photo: Jenni Carter

Key Dates: 

Opening celebrations and Artspace's 40th birthday

Friday 15 December – Saturday 16 December 2023

Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones: untitled (transcriptions of country)
15 December 2023 – 11 February 2024