About us
Strathnairn Arts is a not-for-profit arts association supported by the ACT Government providing working spaces and facilities for a range of artists, crafts people and community groups. Strathnairn Arts has been used by artists for decades but remains one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets.
Set in a converted 1920s homestead on the north-western outskirts of Canberra, Strathnairn’s 9.5 hectares is host to a Woolshed and Village Hall all boasting views towards the Brindabella Mountains. Through membership with Strathnairn Arts, artists have access to ceramic kilns, the foundry, studios, and the shop.
Strathnairn Arts has grown into a strong community of artists working in diverse mediums. Painters, sculptors, potters, textile artists, printmakers, wood workers and installation artists all use this unique rural setting as their base.
Located within the Homestead is the shop which displays and sells a range of handmade works by local artists.
The Artist in Residence program enhances the artistic working environment through workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations and other activities.
A full program of exhibitions runs throughout the year including an Annual Members Exhibition, showcasing the work of members.
At a glance
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm. Strathnairn Arts is closed to the public outside of these hours (hire bookings excepted).
No dogs are permitted at ACT Arts Facilities (except for certified guide dogs or registered companion dogs).
No smoking is permitted within the Strathnairn Arts Precinct.
Children must be supervised at all times.
Image: Darius Maciejewski, 2021.
Vision Statement
Vision
To cultivate contemporary visual art for local, national and international audiences in a sustainable creative precinct.
Objectives
To provide studio spaces and facilities to support the arts practice of established and emerging artists in Canberra.
To provide an art gallery and outdoor sculpture space for exhibition to the public, and a retail outlet for Strathnairn Arts members.
To present an Artist in Residence program to expand and enrich the arts practice and knowledge of Strathnairn Arts members and the community.
To provide and encourage public access and education in the arts through the gallery and through workshops, demonstrations, seminars and conferences.
To maintain and develop the historic rural Strathnairn property, and promote sustainable and safe practices.
Strategic Aims
Fostering Artists
To empower emerging and established visual artists in the professional development of their arts practice.
Arts Program
To present a consistently excellent and diverse program of exhibitions, events and activities for all our different audiences that can be sustainably resourced.
Community Engagement in the Arts
To develop and promote an active and diverse community-access arts facility to broaden our community engagement and audiences locally, in Canberra, nationally and worldwide, and to promote Strathnairn Arts as a destination for cultural tourists.
Creative Precinct
To preserve the historic facilities and develop the natural environment to create an accessible and welcoming place for creative work.
A Sustainable Organisation
To be a diverse, professional, entrepreneurial and outwardly facing organisation, supporting the interests of our members and being an employer of choice, to attract and retain the best and most talented people for our organisation.