Brookvale Arts History

Woven into Brookvale’s industrial fabric, amongst the workshops, warehouses and factories, lies a rich history of art, including studios, artist collectives, collaborative spaces and galleries showcasing the work of renowned creative talent from across Australia and beyond.

Rewind to 2008 and one prominent contributor to this thriving art scene was The National Grid (TNG) Gallery in Chard Road. TNG, which has now transformed into a branding studio and co-working space, was one of the pioneering venues hosting a diverse array of exhibitions, activations and events in Brookvale over the past two decades. 

From solo exhibitions by distinguished artists such as Simon Degroot, Shannon Crees, Nic Ploughman and local hero Ben Brown, to large group exhibitions like 'East West' and 'The Dirty Show' - the satellite erotica art exhibition held in collaboration with Dirty Detroit's tenth anniversary - TNG has served as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange. These exhibitions have enriched the cultural landscape of Brookvale and fostered a sense of community and appreciation for the arts. 

Other famed Brookvale art creation and exhibition spaces from back in the day include B-SIDE Creative Space on Old Pittwater Road (which has now become La Crème Creative Inc on Sydenham Road), Artfocus Gallery & Studio on Powells Road and Our Place Gallery on Wattle Road. While these spaces have evolved or moved on, the art scene in Brookvale continues to progress and flourish. New players have emerged to further elevate the district's creative profile. 

In just a couple of years, Hake House of Art has established itself as a sophisticated gallery that showcases cutting-edge contemporary art and provides a space for emerging artists to display their work. With its avant-garde exhibitions and commitment to artistic innovation, Hake House has become a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

A more recent addition is Sugar House Studios which has also made a significant impact on the arts in Brookvale, offering a dynamic space for artists to create, collaborate, educate and exhibit their works. Sugar House was established in 2023 as a multidisciplinary studio and has already played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent as well as pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practices.

Other creative spaces active in Brookvale include Man in Space Gallery, Oily Rag Studio & Gallery, Art Bau and Studio Maybe. 

The local creative community and associated art scene is vibrant and diverse, and with continued support, our art spaces can continue their important roles of nurturing culture and fostering creativity.

Words: Lara Allport