Gadigal
NSW
The Artspace project revitalises the State heritage listed Gunnery building in Woolloomooloo into a vibrant space for the production and presentation of contemporary art.
The redevelopment of the Gunnery extends Sydney’s cultural ribbon, connecting Walsh Bay with the MCA, Opera House, Macquarie St, AGNSW and Artspace.
The project, at its core, was about transforming this historic warehouse into a welcoming public building. The result is a series of world class gallery, studio, and education spaces, that significantly widen the possibilities of creating, and showcasing contemporary art in Australia.
Artspace is a model of architecture that listens, in this case, to a knowledgeable visual arts curatorium-client that knew what the artists it serves were looking for. Gallery spaces easily shapeshift. Relocating the entrance westward to face the existing Forbes Street Plaza transformed the offering to one that is truly public. Repurposed windows winch open wide to provide a big and generous welcome that encourages visitors to literally hang over the windowsills to participate in events underway within. The future survival of the organisation is also addressed with a multi-purpose level one space for talks and the fundraising events that are the lifeblood of public galleries today.
DunnHillam’s revitalisation of The Gunnery has transformed Artspace into a fit-for-purpose, multi-platform, contemporary art space. The reorientation of the entrance to Forbes Street plaza has created a highly visible, welcoming, and light-filled space that is enhancing visitor numbers and experiences. The new floorplan offers a mix of specialised and flexible spaces across three floors, which are underpinned by enhanced accessibility and functionality. DunnHillam’s collaborative approach has enabled us to realise a shared vision for the building, which not only helps Artspace expand our strategic objectives and artistic programs into the future, but also elegantly engages with the building’s heritage.
The ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
