Canberra’s vibrant creative sector and the broader not-for-profit and community services sectors, face a shortage of affordable, accessible spaces. Artists, performers, small creative enterprises, charities, and not-for-profit organisations are actively seeking venues for studios, galleries, workshops, rehearsal spaces, small-scale performances, and community services. Despite this demand, valuable commercial spaces remain underutilised.Expanding access to these spaces not only supports cultural and community outcomes but also delivers a direct budget benefit to the Territory. Lower rents reduce the reliance of not-for-profits and charities on government grants for accommodation costs, creating a more sustainable funding environment while increasing community service delivery capacity.
Successful models - including temporary “pop-up” programs in both Canberra and in other Australian capitals - have demonstrated that activating spaces for creative and cultural use doesn’t just support local artists; it also revitalises precincts, increases foot traffic, improves public safety, and uplifts surrounding property values.
This approach directly supports the goals outlined in the ACT Government’s Arts, Culture and Creative Policy 2021–2026, which commits to nurturing local creative industries, fostering cultural participation, and increasing access to creative spaces across Canberra.
A progressive and creative city leads with innovative solutions. By providing targeted incentives to property owners - such as commercial rates reductions for activating vacant spaces for community and creative uses - and by removing outdated planning restrictions, the ACT Government can unlock dormant economic potential, support our local creative industries, and foster vibrant, engaged communities.
A further progressive approach by the ACT Government to planning will ameliorate the issues faced by the not-for-profit, community and artistic sectors.