The new Canberra Glassworks, due to open on 25 May, will become Australia’s most important centre of glass making and glass exhibition. The ACT Government has shown incredible foresight, converting a 92 year old, former industrial building into an iconic new centre for the arts. As Australia’s newest cultural attraction, the Canberra Glassworks will provide cutting-edge exhibitions of glass art, hands-on experiences for visitors and unique access facilities for artists. The grand opening weekend marks the culmination of years of planning and construction work creating a unique venue dedicated as a world-class glass art centre. The central attraction of the Glassworks is the dramatic view of glass blowing in the centre’s ‘Hot Shop’, viewed from a raised platform. Visitors will be able to see world-class artists in action and to take part in the excitement of glass blowing first-hand. Visitors to the building will be inspired by the design and architecture of a contemporary space within an historic building. Canberra’s iconic Powerhouse, one of the city’s oldest buildings, has been ‘reborn’ as a state-of-the-art venue to showcase Canberra’s world-renowned glass art and artists. The new Canberra Glassworks will be open to the public every Wednesday – Sunday. Visitors will be able to learn how to work with glass, meet artists, view work in progress as well as exhibitions within the centre’s two galleries. Guided tours of the spectacular building and the ‘Off the Street’ program will allow visitors to get behind the scenes and have unique hands-on experiences with glass. Visitors will be among the first to see Australia’s first cultural facility devoted to contemporary glass practice and relax in the café or enjoy shopping for exclusive, hand-made glass at a range of prices. The opening weekend celebrations will offer visitors the opportunity to tour the historic building, see the ‘Hot Shop’ in action, view the inaugural glass exhibition, talk to the Canberra Glassworks team or find out more about enrolling in a workshop program by a leading glass artist. Bookings for tours of the facility on 26 – 27 May are essential. Telephone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 to book in or for more information about the program email [email protected].
