Rockingham Arts Centre

About the Rockingham Arts Centre 

The Rockingham Arts Centre (RAC) provides artists at all stages of their careers opportunities to develop and exhibit their work. One of the core aims of the RAC is to assist artists to build confindence and skills to futher progress their artmaking through exhibition opportunities, workshops and professional development delivered by industry experts.

Our program offers artists the opportunity to apply for professionally curated exhibitions and for Rockingham-based community artist groups to hold annual exhibitions. RAC also hosts the annual City of Rockingham Art Prize, and the Castaways Maquette and Small Sculpture exhibition.

A well-equipped multi-purpose room is attached to the main gallery space and is ideal for arts-based workshops and pop up exhibitions. RAC provides many opportunities for workshop facilitators to share their skills and knowledge for all artists. Along with skill building for adults, RAC offers an after school art program for children aged 7-11 to enjoy a creative extra-curricular outlet.

The RAC is located at 11 Kent Street, Rockingham and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-12.30pm and 1pm-4pm. It is within walking distance to the beautiful Rockingham Foreshore which has a wide range of restaurants and cafés to enjoy. Free parking is within close proximity.  

You can contact the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734.

The venue consists of:

• Digital projection
• Gallery hanging sytems and ceiling mounts
• Professional gallery lighting
• Selection of plinths
• Movable internal walls
• Multi-use room for workshops, and pop up exhibitions
• Studio space, which can accommodate up to two artists
• Kitchen and wash area

Annual Exhibition Program

Each May, artists are invited to apply for the Rockingham Arts Centre's exhibition program for the following year.

Exhibitions are chosen by an independant selection panel and individual, group and collaborative artists working across all fine art mediums are welcome to apply. Successful applications are chosen for artistic and conceptual merit, along with their capacity to enrich the experience and culture of our arts and wider communities.

In 2025, the Rockingham Arts Centre showcased 12 selected exhibitions, an exhibition to celebrate NAIDOC week, three community exhibitions, and hosts the Rockingham Art Prize, and the Castaways Maquette exhibition.

Deborah Zibah Fairground, mixed media on panel

2026 Exhibitions

2026 Curatorial Team

Jude van der Merwe is the Curator for the 2026 program.  Working with Jude this year will be Clare Stroud who will have an active role in the 2026 programming and delivery. 
 
Jude van der Merwe has over 30 years’ experience in the cultural and visual arts sectors. Jude is an independent senior consultant specialising in arts and culture policy and strategy, cultural development, curatorial work and public art development and implementation. She has worked extensively in the not-for-profit sector in executive roles and as a board member of numerous groups. As Executive Director of Artsource, the representative body for visual artists in Western Australia from 2004-2012, she worked closely with the broad arts and culture sector. Currently Vice President of the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region, she is also Co-curator for the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial 2024. 

Clare Stroud has been involved in the creative arts for over 20 years, 11 of those as the Exhibition Coordinator for Mundaring Arts Centre Inc. In that time, Clare has curated, coordinated and installed exhibitions for community groups, individuals, small groups, public art projects and private collectors in galleries, community halls, pubs, hospitals, aged care residencies, public foyers and private homes.

View the catalogues from our past exhibitions.

Workshops

The Rockingham Arts Centre's workshop program offers a variety of art-based learning opportunities for artists of all levels.

Our facilitators are highly skilled in their areas of specialisation and possess the unique ability to pass on their knowledge through effective communication, making each workshop a wonderful experience.

Find out more about the 2026 Art Workshop Program.

Art workshops

Art 4 Kids - Term 2 Enrolments Open Now 

Introducing Art 4 Kids, a fun and exciting program of after school art classes for our creative kids.

Art 4 Kids is for children aged from 7-11 years who would love the opportunity to explore art and creativity in a safe and happy environment under the supervision of an experienced art facilitator.

Classes run from 4pm-5pm each Wednesday during the school term. Enrolments for Term 2 2026 will be open until 20 April. There are only 12 spots available, so don't miss out.

More information

Art Explosion School Holiday Program - Facilitor Application 

The City is seeking expressions of interest from experienced art-based facilitators for our Art Explosion school holiday art workshops at the Rockingham Arts Centre.

Expressions of interest are sought from facilitators who have experience working with children to create a dynamic and fun series of art projects designed to build confidence and skills for our young creatives aged six to 18 years.

This program will run during 2026 school holidays for a maximum of 12 participants per class. Dates to be allocated by the City.

Apply here

Rockingham Arts Centre Studio Hire 

The Rockingham Arts Centre features a studio space for artists who may not have access to a space at home to develop their practice, prepare for an exhibition etc.

The studio is equipped with a utility sink, drying rack, two high benches, small table, lockable storage, extraction fan and air conditioning. 

Stay tuned for information about studio hire applications for 2027.

Booking Fees

The multi-purpose room can be booked for art classes and/or workshops by independent artists or community art groups. The RAC cannot accept bookings from non arts-based individuals, group's, clubs, or organisations. Please refer to other City venues for your needs. 

For booking availability contact the RAC on 9527 0734 between 8am - 4pm *Wednesday to Sunday (excluding public holidays) , or email artscentre@rockingham.wa.gov.au. To book, complete the Hire Application Form below.

*These days may be subject to change without prior notice

Bonds

A cleaning a maintenance bond of $250 plus a key bond of $50 is required for all hire bookings, due no later than two weeks prior to hire. Bond payments are fully refundable upon the terms and conditions of hire being met.

Apply here