It is with GREAT sadness that Charlie and I announce the closing of BRIGHTSPACE. After 23 amazing years of creativity, collaboration, and community, we will be closing our doors in mid-July, following the recent sale of the building.
(NB: we did not own this building, and neither did Martin Kantor.)

This moment also marks ten years since the passing of Martin — the original visionary behind BRIGHTSPACE. Martin was the “bright-spark” who brought this unique gallery model to life: a space grounded in openness, experimentation, and a deep respect for artists and ideas. His legacy continues to shape everything BRIGHTSPACE has been.
Before Martin, the building was home to Bernie Jones and his art rug venture— and it was the Martin/Bernie connection that made 8 Martin Street possible.

From our unforgettable opening with Mirka Mora — whose warmth and presence blessed the gallery — to celebrating with her again at our 10-year anniversary, BRIGHTSPACE has always been defined by extraordinary artists and a deep sense of shared creative energy.

BRIGHTSPACE has been more than just a gallery. It has been part of the lives of so many — a place for exhibitions, music, theatre, poetry, parties, rehearsals, launches, conversations, and moments of connection. It holds dear memories for artists, audiences, and friends alike.

Also the literal birth place of our kids — Chloe, Phoebe, and Ceci. From the earliest days, it was not unusual to be changing nappies in the stockroom (de rigueur — as Maryanne Baillieu once generously affirmed, in support of women balancing art and family.) These walls hold memories of our family growing up, and I’ll also carry dear moments shared with Martin’s son Heath — and of course, Des Hefner — a reminder that this space has always been about people, and not just art.
With Martin’s generosity, BRIGHTSPACE also became the home of Artists for Kids Culture — hosting from 2007 the annual exhibitions, a few auctions, and serving as the creative hub where the AKC artsbus was imagined and brought to life.

It has also been blessed with our studio folks and now dear friends: Mick Bell, Hellen Sky, Vanessa White, Tiffany Treloar & Co.— and who could forget our time with Ricky Howell – our first artist.
We’ll be marking this closing with a final exhibition — a farewell and a celebration of all that BRIGHTSPACE has meant.

“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.”
— The Crack-Up  – F. Scott Fitzgerald