Firstdraft is where the future of contemporary art emerges, through a program that champions experimentation, risk and inclusion.
Be a part of the Firstdraft Archive
Firstdraft was originally slated to run as a succinct two-year project by founders, Roger Crawford, Tess Horwitz, Narelle Jubelin and Paul Saint from March 1986 until December 1987.
With new co-ordinators brought on from 1988 onwards, it was decided that Firstdraft would continue to operate as a non-profit gallery, with exhibitions selected from proposals on a non-discriminatory basis, regardless of age, race, sex, or educational qualifications.
While there is no way to quantify the work of the artists and arts workers instrumental in Firstdraft’s success since that first show in 1986, Firstdraft will continue to operate; an exhibition of archive material provides a glimpse, an incomplete survey of the monumental collective effort involved in tending to Firstdraft until now. Each artefact retained in our binders and archive boxes is evidence of the sheer volume of installs, the litres of paint used, the screws in the wall, monitors mounted, grants submitted, glasses of wine poured, and exhibition applications read.
Join us in November to celebrate over 2,000 artists, over 150 Firstdraft board members and over 1,000 exhibitions spanning forty years and four venues.
As a part of our fortieth anniversary year, we are collecting stories, memories, histories and images from the people who helped us reach this milestone. Whether you are a board alumni, past exhibiting artist, former staff member, program participant, volunteer, or even a regular gallery visitor with fond memories of Firstdraft we want to hear from you <3
We are trying to get a feel for the human side of Firstdraft, beyond the snippets of news articles, opening invitations and exhibition documentation that we have in our extensive archive.
You can upload as many stories, photos and memories as you like. We also welcome contributions to our archive via mail to our address 13 - 17 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo, Gadigal, NSW, 2011
If you want to tell us your stories in person we will do our best to arrange a time to accommodate you!
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The Firstdraft Census is Firstdraft’s annual stakeholder survey for 2024. Firstdraft is growing and we want to hear from you during this period of change.