Contemporary Art Tasmania provides a program of experimental art exhibitions characterised by innovation and energy. The program responds to current developments in artistic production within the context of the region, and alongside national trends. Six major exhibitions and other projects are developed annually for the organisation’s gallery space as well as additional activity presented at off-site venues around the state and nationally. Contemporary Art Tasmania introduces audiences to new and experimental art to stimulate reflection and enable deeper engagement.

We provide assistance to support, inspire and develop Tasmanian contemporary artists and their practice. We initiate and present projects that provide artists with industry networking and critical engagement and also provide curators with exhibition mentorship opportunities.

The Contemporary Art Tasmania Program Committee provides guidance around the development of the Exhibition Program. The committee is made-up professional artists and curators who are actively engaged with contemporary practice.

Contemporary Art Tasmania is affiliated with NETS Australia (National Exhibition Touring Support), the national collective of state-based touring agencies. CAT maintains a program to assist the Tasmanian public gallery sector to develop and tour exhibitions. The program is focussed towards public galleries, exhibiting contemporary art, craft and design in Tasmania and nationally.

The Touring Program is determined by a Touring Committee, comprised of representatives from public art galleries in Tasmania. The committee comprises the Director, or their representative, from public art galleries in Tasmania. The Touring Committee meets annually to assess applications made to the Touring Program and Exhibition Development Fund (EDF).

The Contemporary Art Tasmania Engagement Program is developed to encourage debate, dialogue and thinking around contemporary art and practice. The program encompasses artist and curator talks, discussion events, education initiatives, symposia, conferences, screenings, workshops and project specific events.

Also within the suite of engagement offerings is CAT’s Digital Program, which includes a podcast, What are you looking at? and a writing project, JOURNAL. Digital Programs expand on concepts from the annual program, and explore current issues from the wider arts ecology.

Professional Development programs deliver targeted support and opportunity to Tasmanian artists and arts professionals. The Curatorial Mentorship and Board Mentorship are offered annually while Shotgun operates through a flexible program. Additional Professional Development activity is responsive to an ever-changing art world.

In 2010, CAT established four studio spaces positioned above its offices in North Hobart. These have become a core component of our organisation, providing a vital contribution to the development of contemporary art culture in Tasmania.

CAT is dedicated to supporting a diverse range of artistic practice, providing opportunity to artists at different stages of their careers and maintaining inclusivity through an inter-generational selection. Tasmanian-based artists are awarded a 12-month residency by application, accessed through the CAT Program committee.

During their one-year residency, artists will be invited to trial and present new work in the CAT Project space.