About CCAS

CCAS Exhibition Spaces

CCAS is one of a national network of contemporary arts organisations (CAOs) dedicated to the generation, presentation and promotion of innovative contemporary visual arts practice in Australia. Its program of exhibitions, performances, artists’ talks and publications aims provide opportunities for artists in the ACT to exhibit their work within a context of current national and international practice.

CCAS receives funding from ACT Government through artsACT and the Federal Government through the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council and the Visual Arts Craft Strategy. Established in 1987 CCAS is a non-profit organisation with around 300 members and an elected board of management. It presents over 40 contemporary art projects annually in the ACT, operating venues at Gorman House Arts Centre and a smaller gallery in Manuka. The exhibition program is a dynamic mix of solo and group exhibitions. CCAS produces some touring exhibitions and regularly participates in off-site projects in the ACT region.

Gorman House

The Gorman House gallery is a large space that can be divided into two areas, Gorman House MAINspace (Gallery 1) and Gorman House MIDDLEspace (Gallery 2 or foyer area between Mainspace and Cube).   

Its primary focus is new and experimental contemporary artwork. A high degree of innovation and technical expertise is expected from the artists who exhibit in these galleries.

For exhibitions in this space CCAS provides artists’ fees and has a modest budget for exhibition presentation and promotion. A standard CCAS exhibition brochure is produced for artists showing in Gorman House MAINspace only. Exhibition budgets are negotiated by CCAS in consultation with the artist and in accordance with specific project requirements. They are also commensurate with funding levels at the time of the exhibition offer. CCAS is able to provide some equipment for artists and this should be discussed with the Director or the Program Manager well in advance of the opening. 

The artistic program is developed up to 18mths in advance of exhibition dates.

Cube

A compact space, artists have effectively used the Cube to showcase specific works in all media. The Cube gallery has 40sqm (approx) hanging space and floor area of 20sqm.

Cube exhibitions are included on CCAS invites and as part of the overall program.

Artists Fees

MAINspace $1,000

MIDDLEspace $500

Cube $300

CCAS Manuka

The Manuka gallery is a project space focused on experimental contemporary art and is a popular space for emerging artists.

Artists are responsible for installing and sitting their exhibition.  Opening on Thursday evenings, exhibitions run for 10 days.

There is a small maintenance fee of $400 for CCAS members (plus a $100 refundable deposit payable within 3 weeks from the confirmation of exhibition). Membership rates are $80 institution, $45 comprehensive and $20 concession. This fee covers inclusion on the CCAS invite and the exhibition will be publicised on the CCAS website. The opening and sales are the responsibility of the artist and CCAS does not take a commission on works sold. Promotions beyond regular CCAS publicity are also the artist’s responsibility and CCAS recommends that artists contact relevant publications such as City News, CAP, BMA and the Canberra Times.

CCAS Manuka operates through a proposal system and exhibitions are selected by CCAS staff. 

Below: CCAS Gorman House entrance late 1990s