What happened to The Incinerator Art Space and when will it finally be back?

Nestled in the heart of Whilloughby, The Incinerator Art Space is a bold and distinctive venue that has long been a cultural hub for contemporary art in the North Shore. Housed in the iconic Walter Burley-Griffin designer building, this unique space offers a striking blend of history and innovation. 

After issues faced during the heavy rains in April, with the area experiencing its heaviest rainfall in four years, the space has remained closed for repair work. The burgeoning north-shore art scene has suffered as a result. More than six months later, a Willoughby Council spokesperson told the North Shore Lorikeet investigations are still ongoing into how to repair the space.

The Incinerator Art Space was reportedly subjected to 189mm of rain when cracks formed in the roof earlier this year, but the council says the timing of any repair works “will be impacted if Council needs to undertake a tender.”

The spokesperson would not disclose any further information about the gallery’s activities, which would normally include prestigious art prizes and diverse contemporary art exhibitions.

With no further comment on the extent of the repairs — or estimated opening of the artspace — the creative community in the area is suffering from a lack of council-led initiatives and gallery spaces to support artists.

What separated the Incinerator from other council-funded galleries, like the Chatswood Concourse or the Dougherty Centre, was its clear foundation in pushing barriers of traditional ideas and showcasing cutting-edge works found in exhibitions. The group show Clay in Focus 2022 and Kelly Minton's Show Pony 2023 are primary examples. Both shows invited contemporary artists to play with the formal qualities of clay or dig deep into the conceptual dismantling of historical art as re-contextualised modern pieces.

As the wait for the Incinerator's reopening stretches on, the question remains: how much longer can the local arts scene afford to be left in limbo? While the Willoughby Council cites ongoing investigations and potential delays, the absence of one of the North Shore’s most forward-thinking cultural venues is already being felt. 

The Incinerator was more than just a gallery—it was a bold platform for boundary-pushing art, and without it, the community is deprived of a space that challenged conventions and sparked dialogue. As the council works through its repair process, one thing is clear: the longer this iconic space remains closed, the greater the risk to the vibrancy and diversity of Willoughby’s creative future.

Image Source: Ian Sanderson