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Firstdraft is where the future of contemporary art emerges, through a program that champions experimentation, risk and inclusion.

This EOFY, join the Firstdraft Artist Survival League

Firstdraft’s building was originally a cold-war bunker— we’re stocking in with contemporary art. Secure your spot (and the future of contemporary art) by donating before June 30.

 

Current

Program
Gummamagic
May 30
Gummamagic

Gummamagic is Edward Barns’ second solo exhibition and first Sydney presentation, capturing the animals surrounding his home in Gumma on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Drawn from observing the surrounding environment with his mother, Donna, the paintings reflect the wildlife Ed greets daily, alongside an immersive soundscape created together that brings the landscape to life.

Discord Kittens & Muck Puppies
May 30
Discord Kittens & Muck Puppies

Discord Kittens and Muck Puppies explores sentiments of loneliness, grief and misunderstanding as digital connection feels atomised through quantity rather than quality of contact. What happens when signals are crossed rather than interrupted? What does it mean to feel isolated in a mass culture distilled or distorted through personalisation, algorithms and a lack of shared language? How and where do we find connection when we are struggling to relate to each other?

Paper Feed
May 30
Paper Feed

Paper Feed reimagines the endless scroll as a wind-activated field of drawing, movement and landscape. Through accumulation of analogue mark-making, Kristone Capistrano considers how the handmade image might interrupt screen-based habits of looking, drawing viewers into a slower encounter with memory, presence and the sublime.

Break-Even Point
May 30
Break-Even Point

Break-even point is a speculative exhibition exploring labour in art, looking at what happens at the intersection of the arts worker/artist experience, and wondering what makes it worth it?

AV Install Basics with Dylan Batty
Jun 13
AV Install Basics with Dylan Batty

This workshop will introduce the basic technical and conceptual aspects of Audio Visual Installation within galleries, giving them the confidence to install simple AV based shows.

news

Featured
The First Catalogue
The First Catalogue

 On March 13, 1986, 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 opened at Firstdraft’s first location in Chippendale.

Announcing Firstdraft's 2026 Program!
Announcing Firstdraft's 2026 Program!

Firstdraft is catapulting into 2026 with a new year of ground-breaking programs, including our exhibition, micro-commission and writers program! ⁠

Firstdraft is now seeking proposals for the 2026 - 27 program
Firstdraft is now seeking proposals for the 2026 - 27 program

Firstdraft is now seeking proposals from artists, curators and writers for consideration in our 2026–27 Program. We invite ideas that champion experimentation, risk and inclusion.

Firstdraft welcomes new Chair and Treasurer
Firstdraft welcomes new Chair and Treasurer

The team at Firstdraft are delighted to announce Firstdraft’s new Chair Augusta Supple and Treasurer Dominic Kavanagh.