The Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery – Gallery Hire Program provides local artists, collectives, and community organisations with the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting. Located in the heart of the Joondalup City Centre, the Gallery offers a highly visible and welcoming space for audiences to experience the diversity of local creative practice.
Purpose-designed for visual arts, the Gallery features museum-standard hanging systems, flexible exhibition lighting, and a contemporary layout to ensure work is presented to a high standard. Unlike general community facilities, hire is offered in dedicated exhibition blocks, allowing groups the time and space to install, open, and manage their exhibitions across consecutive days.
By creating affordable and accessible exhibition opportunities, the City of Joondalup is supporting creative development, encouraging community-led arts activity, and enriching the cultural life of the region. Exhibitions presented through this program not only benefit artists and audiences but also contribute to the vibrancy of the Joondalup City Centre.
Important note: opening Monday 1 September, closing Tuesday 7 October, 12pm.
Hire rounds
Gallery hire is offered in two rounds each year. Each round spans four weeks.
For 2026, the hire rounds are:
- Round 1: Wednesday 21 January-Monday 16 February 2026
- Round 2: Wednesday 2 September-Monday 28 September 2026
Hire periods
Hire Rounds are divided into blocks of either two weeks or four weeks, depending on the number of groups exhibiting. A full round (four weeks) may be allocated to one group, or there will be two exhibitions of two weeks awarded. Applicants will specify their preferences in the application form.
Block | Bump in | Exhibition start | Exhibition close | Bump out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wednesday 21 January | Thursday 22 January | Sunday 1 February | Monday 2 February |
2 | Wednesday 4 February | Thursday 5 February | Sunday 15 February | Monday 16 February |
Important note: The Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery is open Thursdays to Saturdays, but further days can be requested within the hire period through the application form.
This structure ensures artists have consistent exhibition time, while still allowing flexibility for either two-week or four-week shows.
Applicant eligibility
The Community Hire program is open to:
- Individual artists, artist collectives, and visual arts groups.
- Not-for-profit organisations with a visual arts focus.
- Cultural groups presenting work of artistic or community relevance.
Important note: While the program is designed primarily for community and not-for-profit applicants, applications from commercial organisations or professional groups may also be considered, subject to availability and alignment with the program’s objectives.
Exhibition criteria
We welcome proposals that:
- Present a clear creative vision and demonstrate artistic merit.
- Are well planned, exhibition-ready and can be delivered within the allocated hire period.
- Engage the community and enhance Joondalup’s cultural vibrancy.
- Benefit local artists, audiences, or contribute to the development of the region’s visual arts sector.
Preference will be given to artists and groups based in Joondalup or those demonstrating strong connections to the local area.
How to apply
Applications for gallery hire are managed through the City’s SmartyGrants online system. There are two application rounds each year, with opportunities to exhibit in either January-February or September.
- Review the program guidelines and available hire periods.
- Prepare your proposal, including exhibition details, timelines, and support material.
- Submit your application via the SmartyGrants portal before the closing date.
Successful applicants will be notified approximately five weeks before their hire period, allowing time for planning and promotion.
Contact
For queries or consultation, please contact the City’s cultural services team.