PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
PLATFORM BY CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY
Canberra Contemporary’s satellite project space Platform (formerly CCAS Manuka) is programmed through an annual open-call process open to artists and curators. Platform is located on the exhibition space that was once the Bitumen River Gallery, and maintains the original artist-led ethos of its historic predecessor. Today, Platform operates an artist-run space that supports career development, and provides opportunities for Kamberri/Canberra-based artists and emerging practitioners. Preference is given for exhibitions by artists with a strong connection to the Canberra region, early-career artists, as well as established artists exploring new directions in their practice. Platform is a space that offers the freedom to experiment, while receiving mentorship and marketing support from the Canberra Contemporary team.
After two decades of operating on a hire-by-the-artist model, since 2024 Platform has offered fully subsidised venue hire, meaning it is a free space for artists to exhibit. This change recognises the importance of artist’s work and advocating for more sustainable models of engagement. Canberra Contemporary does not take any commission on any sales made at Platform, ensuring that artists take home 100% of profits.
The 2026 Platform Exhibition Call Out and 2026 Platform First Peoples Program Call Out is now closed.
Please send Platform exhibition proposal enquiries to:
Alexander Boynes
alexander@canberracontemporary.com.au
02 6247 0188
CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY
Canberra Contemporary’s main gallery space (formerly CCAS Lakeside) is located in Parkes and is programmed by the artistic team consisting of the Director and Curator. Exhibitions are generally curated in-house, and range from solo presentations, thematic group exhibitions, and collaborations with other partner organisations and institutions. Consideration is given to ensure that the annual artistic program presents a balance of ACT-based artists alongside national and international peers.
While exhibitions at Canberra Contemporary are by invite-only, expressions of interest are welcomed from artists and independent curators who would like to be considered for the artistic program. To start a conversation, please send through a brief expression of interest to Sophia Cai, Director of Canberra Contemporary, including Name of the artist/s, contact details, a brief artist statement or curatorial synopsis, a CV, and 5 - 10 clear digital images of completed works. If Canberra Contemporary is interested in exhibiting your work, you will be contacted and asked to make a detailed submission for the proposed exhibition. Exhibitions at Canberra Contemporary are typically in development 9 – 24 months in advance.
Please note that while the Canberra Contemporary team endeavours to respond to each expression of interest, we cannot provide detailed feedback for each applicant.
Please send Canberra Contemporary exhibition proposal enquiries to:
Sophia Cai
director@canberracontemporary.com.au
02 6247 0188
Downloads:
Canberra Contemporary Floor Plan
Image: Installation view Tailings by Bridget Baskerville at CCAS Manuka (now Platform), 2023. Photo by Brenton McGeachie.
Image: Installation view of work by Emma Rani Hodges (left) and Kirsten Farrell (right) in Pattern Recognition at Canberra Contemporary, 2024. Curated by Jodie Cunningham and Janice Falsone. Photo by Brenton McGeachie.