Culture and Arts Regional Directory

Oil painting - Evening Haze by Jim Gray

Our Local government area is home to a vast array of visual, performing and literary artists, cultural practitioners and facilities. Our Culture and Arts Regional Directory is a snapshot of the regions creative and cultural industries, to assist our community and visitor interaction with these organisations and individuals.

Galleries and Museums

Queanbeyan Art Society

The Queanbeyan Art Society is a non-profit organisation which holds art exhibitions, competitions and classes. It is a working gallery and has 11 monthly exhibitions, some of which are Open Competitions with the remainder for Members only.

Situated on the banks of the Queanbeyan River and housed in the historic O’Neill’s Cottage. On the eve of the cottage's demolition, the Queanbeyan City Council was urged to reconsider the demolition order and offered it instead to the Queanbeyan Arts Society (QAS) to develop as their Art Centre. The QAS accepted the challenge and in 1980 the QAS Trust was formed and with the help of monetary donations and voluntary labour, the cottage was restored.

The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery is a small artist-run gallery specialising in contemporary printmaking and opened its doors in late 2016. The small shopfront gallery in the heart of Queanbeyan is also the studio of Peter McClean. The Press Gallery will be open for exhibition launches and other special events, by appointment, and at various other random times while Peter is at work in the attached studio. The Press Gallery aims to offer an affordable space for artists to exhibit, and the small scale of the gallery means it can be a suitable space for a solo show to be developed over a fairly short time scale or for small scale works that could feel lost in larger spaces.

Queanbeyan Museum

The Queanbeyan Historical Museum has been preserving and promoting Queanbeyan’s History and Heritage for 47 years. The incorporated not-for-profit society was established in 1969 with the aim to express the sense of history, place and identity in the Queanbeyan region. It does this by operating a museum, developing a collection and promoting historical activities that are interesting, educational and relevant to both residents and visitors.

Queanbeyan Printing Museum

The Queanbeyan Printing Museum attempts to preserve the knowledge of printing practices in Queanbeyan from 1860 until the mid-1980s, including hot metal printing skills and machinery. Australian newspaper proprietor John Gale (17 April 1831 – 15 July 1929) was the founder of The Queanbeyan Age, the first newspaper to serve the Queanbeyan district in New South Wales. Along with Sir Austin Chapman, Gale was often referred to as the ‘Father of Canberra’ in his support for the Queanbeyan-Canberra area as the best site of a future Australian national capital.

Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery

The Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery was established in 1993 and is located inside the PCYC Indoor Sports CentreThe Late Mr Jim Woods OAM was responsible for driving the project and spent many hours of voluntary work obtaining information, gathering photos, arranging type-setting and configuration on the many entries.  

 Queanbeyan is well renowned around Australia as a producer of quality sportsmen and women. The Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery is designed to recognise in perpetuity the achievements of sporting men and women who have brought honour to Queanbeyan and themselves. It is home to some of the nation's greatest sporting stars including David Campese, Heather McKay, Ricky Stuart, Mark Webber, Takeover Target and many more. There is strict criteria for inductees which keeps the Gallery to a high standard of inductees.

There are currently 111 members of the Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery with five new Members inducted into a new category being an Associate Member of the Sporting Gallery. The category is aimed at members of the sporting community that have played a significant role in the Queanbeyan sporting community, not necessary as a competitor.

Bungendore Wood Works Gallery

The Bungendore Wood Works Gallery provides a space, where wood workers can display their works, where diversity is encouraged, and fine craftsmanship is essential with the aim of providing the best possible space to display a diversity of the best Australian art and craft.

The current Bungendore Wood Works Gallery complex, situated directly opposite the original Gallery site, was opened in April, 1994 by the Honourable Jim Snow MP. The Gallery was designed by Bungendore architect Maurice Barnes and built in 1994 to create the ideal environment for exhibiting wood and other media. The Gallery is built entirely from Australian materials, including Jarrah posts, beams and staircase; Tasmanian Oak floors, Ebonised Victorian Ash frames, and New South Wales Flooded Gum wall paneling. We take the view that a gallery should be a "work of art" in itself, and invoke the same diligence, creativity and passion that the best makers put into their work.

Bungendore Fine Art

Bungendore Fine Art is a friendly gallery owned & operated by eight artists. The gallery provides quality art for all tastes and budgets, with an ever-changing display of about 150 paintings ranging from large works to miniatures. Monthly exhibitions feature guest artists; with artist/partners rostered to attend to visitors. The artist/directors share an impressive record of prizes from local, interstate and national art shows. Each contributes their range of skills to the running of the gallery, which is open seven days a week all year, with an exhibition by a different visiting artist almost every month.

Suki & Hugh Gallery

Suki & Hugh is a purpose-built contemporary gallery in located in the heart of Bungendore, and is a quality address for artists and makers to present their wares. The Gallery offers a managed gallery space for artist exhibitions and a gallery shop for designers.

Braidwood Community Arts Centre

Braidwood Community Arts Centre is owned and operated by Braidwood Regional Arts Group (BRAG), an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, continues the tradition set by the Braidwood Group of the 1970’s, which brought together artists from a wide range of mediums. BRAG looks after the interests of nearly one hundred and fifty artists and craftpersons, writers and performers, creating and maintaining links of support between its members. It also provides peer support and opportunities for interaction among its members and arranges for relaxed gatherings where news and ideas can be shared, as well as serving as a lobbying body that advocates the recognition of artists' contribution to the economic development of the region and the improvement of the financial status of its members.

The Left Hand Gallery

The Left Hand Gallery is a visual art gallery established in 2010 as a non-profit venture, it has the aim of supporting imaginative visual artists free from the usual commercial pressures of mainstream galleries. It has three or four exhibitions a year, each running for three weekends (and other times by appointment). Exhibitions often include a number of artists brought together through a shared medium (such as drawing, printmaking, sculpture or hand made books) or a thematic interest or similarity of approach. Solo or survey shows are also organised for single artists we feel deserving of special attention or recognition. Ignoring trends or traditions, the accent is on encouraging handmade artworks that show the individual, idiosyncratic sensibility of their maker. Exhibiting artists are both from the local region and from much further afield.

Altenburg & Co

Altenburg & Co gallery and shop is a family business that specialises in beautiful art and great design. The Altenburg name has been on the streets of Braidwood for nearly 40 years and has been a strong supporter of the arts over this time.

Fyre Gallery

Fyre Gallery is a boutique fine art commercial gallery specialising in works on paper and textiles. Located in the unique heritage listed town of Braidwood, Fyre Gallery is committed to an ethos of beautiful, functional and sustainable. Since opening in 2005 Fyre Gallery has acquired a reputation for surprising and delighting clients and visitors alike. Exhibitions occur twice yearly in March/April and November/December.

Stur Gallery

Stur Gallery located inside Fyre Gallery is a commercial gallery and store in the heritage listed town of Braidwood and is focused on showing contemporary art.

Braidwood Museum

The Braidwood and District Historical Society was founded in 1970 to celebrate, protect and share the heritage of the region. The aim of the Society is to encourage the study of the history of Braidwood and district and promote and undertake the preservation, storage and display of artefacts and records of historical interest. The Society promote and publish historical works and studies related to the area and foster the sharing of information through lectures, readings, discussions, excursions and exhibitions. They own and run the Braidwood Museum which holds a rich collection of objects and archives and their researchers assist with family history enquiries and we sell a large selection of books relevant to the area.

The Outsider Gallery Captains Flat

The Outsider Gallery (telephone 02 6236 6160) is open most Sundays from 11am – 3pm but call before you go (there to make sure they're open. You can take stroll through the gallery and studio, have a chat to the resident artist Gunther Deix, relax in the sculpture garden, or discover treasures amongst the funky junk.

 

Music, Performing Arts and Theatres

Sing Australia (Queanbeyan)

Sing Australia accepts that everyone can sing and it makes no judgement on how well that happens. It is inclusive and welcoming of everyone. It is about making happy connections with people from all walks of life and demographics within groups and through performances –often impromptu.

Majors Creek Festival

Originally hosted by the Braidwood Folk Music Club as the Music at the Creek Festival until 2011 the Majors Creek Festival is a vibrant annual music festival held at the Majors Creek Recreation Ground.

In recognition of its former president, Ros Hales, and her commitment to music, the arts and equity and her wonderful contribution to the Majors Creek Festival, the Braidwood Folk Music Club sponsors the Ros Hales Award for Young Women in Music. Majors Creek Festival and Braidwood Folk Music Club recognise the under-representation of female performers at music festivals and within the broader music industry in Australia. This new initiative is designed to support and encourage young female performers and to provide opportunities for high profile performances and pay equity in a friendly and supportive festival environment.

Queanbeyan Players Inc.

Queanbeyan Players (QP) is a community theatre group based in Queanbeyan with around 120 members across all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience, QP has been bringing high-quality plays and musical theatre to the region since 1965. The group was incorporated in 1987. Although their on-stage performers are QP’s most visible public presence, a great many people contribute to getting them on the boards. They are always looking for new members to be involved in a variety of capacities, including music, directing, stage managing, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, set design and construction, graphic design, photography, publicity and communications, and front of house.

The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre

Regarded as the premier entertainment facility in the city, The Q is spacious, light and elegant and provides an outstanding program of professional and amateur productions, changing art exhibitions and displays. The prestigious and quality facilities provide a range of unique spaces for performing and visual arts, corporate events and social occasions.

The theatre has 346 comfortable seats with ample leg room and provides a warm, intimate atmosphere popular for both performers and audiences. The design and configuration provides opportunity for live theatre productions, concerts, forums, conferences, conventions, movies, music or film festivals, award ceremonies, digital, video and audio recordings, television or radio broadcasts, HSC exam performances, performing arts workshops and more.

The venue offers technical facilities including sound and lighting desks, an orchestra pit which can be covered, dressing rooms and a computerised box office. The venue has bar facilities, lounge and cafe areas, and disabled access. In addition it offers Front of House staff, Ushers, Box Office and Bar staff when required.

Mirramu Creative Arts Centre and Mirramu Dance Company

Formed in 2002, Mirramu Dance Company is directed by well-known Australian dance pioneer Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM. The Mirramu Creative Arts Centre and Mirramu Dance Company presents professional productions every year and believes in sharing and communicating through the creative process, inviting artists from different disciplines to work with the company. The company encourages inter-cultural exchange and has established collaborations with Indigenous Australian dance artists as well as performers from Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore  the Netherlands and Senegal.

National Theatre Braidwood

The iconic National Theatre Braidwood hosts annual events, such as the ‘Outdoor Airing of the Quilts’ event and monthly Film Club screenings. The theatre can seat an audience of 200 as well as being suitable for functions. The theatre has audio-visual equipment, is heated and has bay lighting, discreet side wall lighting and spot lighting. There are two dressing rooms, a curtained stage and an extended stage apron. There are exhibition tracks and fittings along with six moveable flat screens.

Community Arts and Cultural Organisations

Queanbeyan-Palerang is home to a wide range of cultural organisations that provide a range of opportunities to artists and the community.

Molonglo Plains (Queanbeyan) Decorative and Fine Arts Society

The Molonglo Plains (Queanbeyan) Decorative and Fine Arts Society provides members and visitors a program of eight illustrated lectures given by overseas and Australian lecturers chosen for their communication skills and expert knowledge in their fields.

QWriters

QWriters meet once a month to share life’s wisdom, anguish, annoyance, sadness and humor through the medium of writing. Members are a mix of published writers, novice writers, ages, genders, nationalities, Queanbeyan locals and interstate interlopers. The group share their own work, excerpts of larger works, book recommendations, upcoming events, writing competitions and more, and welcome new members.

Queanbeyan Quilters Inc.

The Queanbeyan Quilters Inc. is a community organisation and members get together weekly to share their enthusiasm and skills in patchwork, quilting and many other textile arts. Activities include:

  • Workshops to learn new skills and to share skills.
  • Exhibition of members’ work every two years.
  • Making quilts for local organisations and international appeals.

Bungendore Quilters Inc.

Bungendore Quilters Inc. was established at the end of 2008 and is made up of a diverse, ecclectic group of quilters, embroiderers, sewers and anyone who enjoys textile arts is welcome to join. The group meet monthly in the Bungendore School of Arts with the Annual Quilt Exhibition and raffle event every year. Visitors are more than welcome to attend meetings and they welcome new members.

Braidwood Quilters Inc.

The Braidwood Quilters Inc. is a community organisation responsible for:

  • the annual Braidwood Quilt Event and the famous Airing of the Quilts
  • the Braidwood Quilters mid-year Country Luncheon
  • planning monthly community quilt workshops
  • Wednesday sewing, fun and goss
  • supporting worthy projects
  • travelling quilts to support other quilting organisations
  • initiating and participating in ‘fusion events’, which cross over into other areas of the arts

Knitters Guild NSW (Queanbeyan)

The Knitters' Guild NSW Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation established over 30 years ago to promote and encourage the skills of Knitting and Crochet amongst its members and the wider community. The Guild provides the opportunity for members to learn both traditional and modern techniques, and to keep up with the latest developments in material developments and knitting and crochet design in Australia and internationally. It also encourages maintenance of high standards in design and technique, and encourages the exhibition of members’ work. The Guild encourages local dyers and retailers to become retail members, which brings benefits to both their business and to Guild members.

Their 800 members have the opportunity to attend local group meetings, workshops, and classes. They can undertake assessable tasks for certificates, and partake in the many social and educational opportunities offered by the Guild across the state. Knitting and crochet are far from moribund crafts. New techniques and ways of creating fabrics are being developed constantly by designers around the world, and the Guild is in the forefront of these developments, offering classes and workshops in both traditional and modern techniques and skills, and hosting international teachers.

Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre

Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre assists people from diverse cultural backgrounds to live harmoniously in the region.

The friendly team can help with:

  • Someone to talk to
  • Friends & relationships
  • Finding a job
  • Getting on at school
  • Family matters
  • Exploringing new opportunities

Regular activities include:

  • Multicultural Playgroup
  • Conversation Groups
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Women's Group

Each year Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre in partnership with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council organises and supports the whole community to come together and celebrate the diversity and vitality of the region during the Queanbeyan Carnivale - Multicultural Festival.

Individual Artists and Practitioners