Firstdraft's previous premises in Surry Hills
firstdraft
firstdraft is a non-profit gallery run on a voluntary basis by a group of practising artists. It is one of the longest running and most successful artist-run initiatives in Australia. firstdraft asserts the importance of contemporary art production, dissemination and discussion in society, providing a stimulating exhibition space that is professional and accessible for a diverse range of artistic practices and projects. Firsdraft Gallery celebrated it's 25th Birthday in 2011.
Opening Hours 12pm-6pm Wed -Sun
Address 13- 17 Riley St, Woolloomooloo, NSW 201
Phone (02) 9970 2999
E-mail mail@firstdraftgallery.com
Directors 8 artist Directors annually- see website for details
Closest Train Station 10 minutes walk from Kings Cross Station/10 mins walk from St James Station/15 mins walk from Town Hall Station
Closest Bus Stop close to all William St bus routes. Exit bus near corner Riley St. 2 mins walk to Depot. Bus routes 323, 324, 325…) take 323, 324 and 325 to William St from Kings Cross Station – (bus stop on Bayswater Rd) or from Circular Quay
Car Parking very limited unmetered short-term parking available on street. We suggest public transport, bike or walk
Acknowledgements Supported by City of Sydney through an accommodation grant and project funding, programs supported by Arts NSW and The Firstdraft Emerging Artist Studio Program supported by The Australia Council For The Arts. Firstdraft Depot acknowledges the support of the local community.
Wheelchair Accessible Firstdraft unfortunately does not accommodate wheelchair access throughout the building. Wheelchair access to Project space possible with assistance to get over small step/ rise at Project space entrance. No wheelchair accessible toilet.
Proposals Firstdraft call for proposals for exhibitions and other programs approximately every six months. Stay tuned to Firstdraft’s website or join their Facebook page for updates regarding submission deadlines.
WEBSITES
http://www.facebook.com/fdgallery
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BACKGROUND
firstdraft was incorporated in 1985 as a non-profit, artist managed organisation and established in 1986 with seed funding from the Australia Council. Every two years a new group of directors is selected to administer firstdraft. It is expected that the directors are themselves practising artists. The turnover of directors provides the opportunity for a reformation of the way the gallery functions and provides the possibility for new approaches to the style of artwork it shows. This gallery, in its fourth relocation since its inception, also houses artists' studios. The longevity of firstdraft is probably due to a range of factors. Certainly, funding from the Australia Council is one of the most important. This funding has been invaluable in that is has allowed for the reduction of some of the rent expected from the artists who exhibit there. This is particularly significant in terms of equity for access to exhibition, given the cost of rent in inner Sydney compared to the rest of Australia.