Studio A, one of Australia's leading disability arts organisations, will establish a new long-term home in North Sydney at James Place.
Who is Studio A?
Studio A is a not-for-profit supported studio for professional artists with intellectual disability. Since it was founded in 2016, it has built a reputation as one of the country's leading organisations in the space - not by offering art therapy or informal participation, but by developing real, sustainable careers for its artists.
The results speak for themselves. Every artist at Studio A identifies as a professional practising artist. In the past financial year, Studio A artists took part in 41 exhibitions, including a solo exhibition by Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery, and were selected as finalists in nine major national art awards. Since 2020, Studio A artists have earned 20 Archibald Prize finalist selections between them. Their work has also reached the public directly, with more than 6,000 square metres of public artwork delivered across Sydney and over 1.25 million people attending exhibitions featuring their work.
A long relationship with North Sydney
Studio A isn't new to the area. Between 2017 and 2023, Council provided the organisation with subsidised premises at the Crows Nest Community Centre, where it grew significantly. As demand for its programs increased, Studio A moved to temporary commercial premises in St Leonards - an arrangement that is due to end when that site is redeveloped in early 2027.
Rather than lose that connection, Studio A approached Council in 2025 about staying in North Sydney. Council identified Level 1, James Place as a strong fit: the space is accessible, close to public transport, and had been sitting vacant amid soft demand for older commercial office space.
What the lease means
Council has approved a five-year lease, with an option for a further five years, at a subsidised annual rent. Four parking permits will also be provided free of charge for Studio A's use of the nearby Ridge Street carpark, supporting accessible access to the studio.
In return, Studio A will provide Council with an annual allocation of in-kind artwork licensing - meaning locally produced artwork by Studio A artists may start appearing across North Sydney Olympic Pool merchandise, Council publications, community event branding, public art and staff and community workshops.
Why it matters
The decision supports several of Council's long-term commitments: its Disability Inclusion Action Plan, its ambitions for North Sydney as a creative and cultural destination, and its efforts to activate vacant commercial space in the town centre. It also means a nationally recognised arts organisation - and the artists, visitors, and partnerships it brings with it - stays rooted in North Sydney for years to come.