Ainslie+Gorman 2009 – Present
In 2009 Gorman House Arts Centre acquired management of the historic Ainslie Infants School, 300 metres north of Gorman House. Previously used as the Questacon’s first home in the 1980’s, it then housed numerous education and community organisations. The ACT Government awarded management of Ainslie to Gorman House Arts Centre Incorporated, and it has since become the creative community of Ainslie+Gorman.
Gorman dedicates itself to multi-disciplinary excellence, with artist studios, performance and rehearsal spaces while Ainslie is a dedicated music hub and co-working space.
In 2014-2015 Ainslie underwent significant capital works renovations by Philip Leeson Architects, which refreshed the beautiful Ainslie Main Hall, foyer and classrooms, as well as the additions of sound pod rehearsal spaces and upgraded kitchen facilities. Ainslie reopened to arts activities in mid-2015.
In 2024 Gorman began phase one of its Centenary Upgrade Project, a restoration and renovation project focused on modernising Gorman House to a fit-for-purpose community arts facility with its completion due in late 2026/early 2027.
Gorman Arts Centre Gallery
Studio Stories: Phoebe Porter
Meet one of our studio artists, Phoebe Porter. A contemporary jeweller working primarily with titanium, stainless steel and aluminium, Phoebe Porter combines industrial materials and processes with precious elements. Her work has been acquired for public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Powerhouse Museum, and recognised with a Canberra Critics’ Circle Award, Victorian Premier’s Design Mark and grants from the Australia Council and Arts ACT.
Looking to the Future
Centenary Upgrade Project
In 2024, Gorman began its critical building upgrades as part of its Centenary Upgrade Project. This will make sure the Centre continues to support a diversity of artists at different stages of their careers across disciplines and genres.
Improved performance and presentation spaces will conserve heritage values and enable the centre to be fit for purpose and accessible. The upgrades will see improved inclusive workspaces for artists, and accessible spaces to encourage the community to interact and get involved in arts and cultural activity.
Arts facilities are essential spaces for community and cultural engagement. They provide pathways for participation in the arts and spaces to develop, produce, display and promote the arts.