Bring your art to Somerset’s historic bomb shelter exhibition

Published on 06 August 2025

Tay Haggarty, ‘Mock Sun for an Inverted Daisy’, 2025, exhibited in The Condensery’s bomb shelter exhibition space. Photo: Naomi McKenzie.

THE CONDENSERY – Somerset Regional Art Galley is calling for proposals from artists who would like to present work in its historic bomb shelter exhibition space.

Built in the 1940s as a repository for archives during World War II, The Condensery’s bomb shelter now serves as a unique, darkened and minimalistic exhibition space.

Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, said the bomb shelter was well suited for video, sound or digital work, sculpture, and installation.

“We have had some incredible artists featured in the bomb shelter, each taking a unique approach to make the most of the space, darkness and historical and cultural significance of the site,” Cr Brieschke said.

“We encourage artists to send their proposals to The Condensery to be considered for exhibition in 2026, especially artists local to Somerset or with strong ties to the region.”

Successful proposals will be paid an artist fee and The Condensery will cover the costs of the exhibition display, as well as additional payments for events or workshops conducted by the artist.

Cr Brieschke said exhibiting in The Condensery was an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to feature in the same space as internationally recognised artists.

“The Condensery was recently nominated for Museums and Galleries QLD’s Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards, having also won the 2024 award for Engagement (Organisations with Paid Staff),” Cr Brieschke said.

“Exhibiting in this gallery is a real chance to get your art out into the world and to work alongside truly talented people.”

Information on the exhibition space, proposal requirements and assessment criteria is available on The Condensery’s website: thecondensery.com.au/get-involved

To apply, email your proposal by 4pm Monday, 22 September 2025 to thecondensery@somerset.qld.gov.au

For more information, contact email The Condensery or call 5423 1036.