M16 Artspace

M16 Artspace is a long-running contemporary arts organisation in Kingston, Canberra, presenting exhibitions by emerging and established artists and curators from Canberra, interstate and overseas. Founded in 1985 as a community-led, not-for-profit artist initiative, it continues to support artists, writers and curators across different ages, backgrounds and cultures. Its gallery program changes in new exhibition blocks roughly every four weeks, giving visitors a regularly refreshed view of contemporary practice rather than a single permanent display.

The organisation operates three gallery spaces and manages artist studios, while also housing five arts organisations that offer classes. Its public program extends beyond exhibitions, with artist talks, conversations, workshops, demonstrations and floor talks listed across the year. These events create opportunities to hear directly from artists and curators, explore how work is made, and engage with ideas around the exhibitions. M16 also runs the M16 Artspace Drawing Prize, alongside other opportunities and programs that support artists at different stages of their careers.

One of the venue’s more distinctive features is CHUTESPACE, a miniature gallery made from the former Griffith Library’s after-hours book-return chute. Created by artists Jeffree Skewes and Kerry Shepherdson in 2013, it is artist-run and volunteer-managed, presenting a series of four-week mini exhibitions alongside M16’s main program. The compact space, protected behind glass and illuminated daily, offers a different scale of viewing and gives artists from any discipline a free exhibition opportunity. Its program has included works such as Bec Schaefer’s Dahlias, Karen Bondietti’s Tribute to John Lennon and Kirsten Castorina’s I see - I saw.

M16’s current home is part of a broader story of artist-led activity in Canberra. After beginning in affordable studio and workshop spaces, the organisation moved through several locations before settling in the former Griffith Library in 2010, following years of planning and community advocacy. Today, it remains connected to a substantial community of studio artists, arts groups, exhibitors and audiences, while preparing for a future role in the Kingston Foreshore Arts Precinct. It suits solo visitors who like to take their time with changing exhibitions, groups looking for a gallery visit or public program, and artists or students interested in Canberra’s wider visual arts community.