Canberra Contemporary Art Space (Manuka)

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.

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 $500 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, BMA and the Canberra Times.

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