Chrissie Cotter Gallery

The program aims to:

• Provide a no-cost, commission-free venue for artist or community-run exhibitions

• Create professional development pathways and a public profile for emerging artists and curators

• Engage the local community and art lovers from across Sydney with a diverse showcase of contemporary Inner West visual arts practice.

Our 2027 exhibition program is selected through an annual Expression of Interest process.

Applications open Monday 17 August 9am and close Monday 14 September 3pm. 

The exhibition space is offered free of charge, with no commission taken on artwork sales. Each artist is provided the space for a 3-week period which includes:

• Installation access
• Public exhibition period
• Deinstallation period

Successful applicants will:

• Install and deinstall their own exhibition.
• Staff the gallery during public opening hours.
• Hold a public opening event during the exhibition period.
• Pay a refundable bond of $200 before the exhibition commences.
• Only exhibit work by artists included in the original application unless prior approval is obtained from Inner West Council.
• Be responsible for exhibition-related costs, including events, staffing and artwork insurance.

Inner West Council will:

• Provide the gallery free of charge for a three-week exhibition period, with no commission charged on artwork sales.
• Promote exhibitions through Council's website, social media and other Council communication channels.
• Provide a safe, clean and well-maintained gallery space.
• Provide public liability insurance cover for the exhibition period.
• Supply a venue user guide and exhibitor agreement.
• Provide two parking permits for exhibiting artists.
• Provide a $500 or $1000 public program or accessibility stipend for artists to program public workshops, artist talks or demonstrations to deepen local audience engagement, or to support accessibility initiatives.

• Criteria 1 - Artistic and curatorial merit (40%)
  The quality, integrity, and originality of the proposed exhibition concept
• Criteria 2 - Community Engagement and benefits to the Inner West Community (30%)
  Engages audiences and communities 
  Contributes to the cultural life of the Inner West 
  Reflects diverse perspectives and experiences 
  Includes public programs, partnerships or participation opportunities where relevant
• Criteria 3 - Professional Development (20%)
  How the exhibition will benefit the exhibiting artists or curators practice
• Criteria 4 - Feasiblity (10%)
  Demonstrated capacity to deliver the exhibition as proposed

Applications are welcome from early-career to established artists, curators, and cultural workers presenting solo, collaborative, or group exhibitions. 

To be eligible:

• Applicants must be over 18 years old
• Must be an Australian citizen or resident with valid working rights
• Applicants must have the skills and capacity to deliver their proposed exhibition
• Each individual or group may submit one application only
• Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants; late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Applications are invited from those who:

• Live in the Inner West local government area
• Have a studio space in the Inner West
• Do not live or work locally but can demonstrate how their exhibition will contribute to the Inner West’s creative, artistic, or cultural life

Please review the applicant guidelines before applying: 

Apply here

If you have any questions on this opportunity or the application process, please contact Council's Creative Programs team via creative.programs@innerwest.nsw.gov.au or call 02 9392 5000.

Opened in 1965, Chrissie Cotter Hall has long been a place for public gathering and cultural life. Named in honour of Mrs Chrissie Cotter, known for her social and humanitarian work, it was transformed into a community gallery in 1996. For the past 30 years, Chrissie Cotter Gallery has supported artists to create, experiment, and share their practice with the local community.

Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm

• Wheelchair accessible
• Step free entrance
• Accessible toilet
• Seating available
• Guide and support animals welcome
• Low sensory environment

Location
31A Pidcock Street, Camperdown (Next to Camperdown Commons)