The ground floor space at 15 Moore Street in City West was vacant a year ago. Thanks to an Authority Placemaking Grant it is now home to Blank: a venue bringing people together through their diverse range of community events.
Collaborating with local groups, Blank has hosted over 100 events comprising of regular yoga classes, theatre workshops, music performances , recycled clothing fashion shows, and art exhibitions, welcoming thousands of Canberrans through their doors.
By activating the vacant space, Blank provides a location for these events to take place, drawing visitors to the City Centre, supporting local creatives, and fostering a sense of belonging for Canberrans.
Blank’s director Elvis Gleeson says the initiative aims to bring people together to collaborate and create.
“Blank is built to be an accommodating and customisable space for creatives, groups, and events. Everyone is welcome and anyone can book the space,” Mr Gleeson said.
“In the eight months we’ve been operating, we’ve fostered connection between creatives from different disciplines and different stages of their careers. Some have decades of experience, and others are still in high school.”
Blank’s outdoor area at April’s Concurrent art exhibition event.
The ground floor tenancy occupied by Blank is managed by KDN Group, who have witnessed the benefits of activating the vacant commercial space.
“Blank has developed a pathway to activate arts-based events outside the city's familiar entertainment precinct within the northwest sector of Canberra's CBD,” said KDN Group’s Managing Director, George Katheklakis.
“Utilising familiar commercial leasing arrangements with backing from the owners of 15 Moore Street, Blank has attracted art industry start-ups to experiment and operate within the City Centre.
“KDN Group are proud to support Blank and their partners to provide new avenues for the arts and utilise our fringe urban environments.”
Blank has been made possible by countless volunteer hours from our community members alongside support from the City Renewal Authority’s Placemaking Grants program, active involvement from KDN Group, and donations from art philanthropists, including Paul Stewart.
Here’s what’s coming up at Blank’s 15 Moore Street space.
Come along to repair and reimagine your clothes. This free workshop is for people aiming to learn or advance valuable skills in mending and restorative textile practice.
Hosted by Emma Johnston, a formally trained textiles artist at the ANU and informally taught by her nana. All skill levels are welcome.
Come by to live in the moment, laugh with new friends, learn some improv skills, and most importantly, let go after a long month. Thank God It’s Theatre is a monthly improv show and drinks to kick off your Friday night with a laugh. Doors open with a casual open mic, followed by "Sink or Swim", an improv show by Canberra's most generously seasoned thespians.
Life doesn't need to be complicated, and nor does Yoga. This is a class inspired by the simplicity of movement and mindfulness, a brief interruption to noisy streets and packed schedules of Canberra.
You can find out more about Blank’s and their upcoming events through their Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Learn more about the Placemaking Grants program and previously funded grants.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
