The Australian Centre for Photography, located on Oxford Street in Paddington, is a not-for-profit organisation that has been a leader in promoting Australian photographers for the past 35 years. Exhibitions displayed at the ACP have helped to identify new names in the world of Australian photography.
A visit to the continuously rotating exhibitions at the ACP is free for all—you can walk in from Oxford Street and spend as much time as you want wandering.
Photographer: Charlie Brewer
There is mainly a focus on photojournalism projects. Past exhibitions have included
Afghanistan, by Stephen Dupont—a documentary into the past fifteen years of the conflicted land. Photographer Zed Nelsons's past exhibition
Love Me demonstrated how far people will go on the question for physical perfection and the consequences of living in a society which is obsessed with how people look.
Whatever the subject content of the current touring exhibitions, more likely than not, through the skill of the photographer you will end up asking questions and perhaps leave with a new perspective on the topic and learn something new. Check the
website for dates when the photographers conduct talks to further your understanding of an exhibition. These events are also free for all.
The ACP also offers many courses for the beginner, intermediate and advanced photography enthusiast such as digital camera basics, introduction to darkroom wet printing, introduction to various programs such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to more advanced courses such as photography and lighting. For those with the photography skills you can also enroll in specialist courses such as advanced night photography, documentary, travel photography and fashion—to name a few.
If you are left feeling inspired and wanting more or you find yourself with spare time after a visit, check out other local galleries such as
Blender Gallery which specialises in music photography or
Stills Gallery which focuses on contemporary photography and new media art. Alternatively do what the Eastern Sydneysiders do and relax before or after your visit at a local café.
