Centre for Contemporary Photography to vacate Melbourne site following funding loss

The Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) in Fitzroy says it has been forced to vacate its home of nearly 20 years after a dramatic withdrawal of funding by both Creative Australia and Creative Victoria.

The CCP says the decision by the Federal and State funding bodies to turn their back on the organisation, which exhibited the work of over 500 photographers last year, is despite "impressive" visitor numbers and growing self generated income in recent years.

Established in 1986 by the arts community with support from the Victorian Government, the centre has relied on a combination of government and private funding and a community of more than 60 volunteers to ensure its sustainability.

According to CCP, the withdrawal of support has already resulted in job losses for two of the organisation's three permanent staff. This includes curator Caitlin Langford, who joined in October 2022, and Gallery Manager Tyler Meredith, who joined in January 2023.

CCP Director Daniel Boetker-Smith, who was appointed in 2022, is the only staff member remaining.

The decision comes despite the gallery attracting more than 100,000 photography enthusiasts, professionals, students,and tourists last year.

CCP says it will vacate its 404 George St, Fitzroy premises in late August, negatively affecting the delivery of the remaining 2024 exhibition program and impacting hundreds of artists.

Daniel Boetker-Smith describes the withdrawal of funding as 'confronting'.

"The lack of government support is confronting, particularly given the high levels of achievement and impact in recent years, however rally we must, and we will," he says.

Patrick Pound, Chair of the Board at the CCP said the withdrawal of funding comes at a precarious time for arts organisations.

"By rejecting our application for four-year recurrent funding from 2025 to 2028, Creative Australia compounds the loss felt by Creative Victoria's decision to withdraw support in 2022," he said.

Despite the challenges, the CCP remains optimistic for the future.

"While being forced to leave our home weighs heavily, we're buoyed by the excitement and support for our long-term vision which honours and propels our near-40 year legacy," said Pound.

This includes a move to the centre's new home - the site of which will be revealed in the coming months.

In the interim the CCP will occupy a 'project space' at nearby not-for profit arts precinct Collingwood Yards where a smaller program of exhibitions and events will be held. 

During this period of transition CCP will also present a number of exhibitions and events in partnership with other venues and institutions - including the major exhibition 'Auto-Photo' which will celebrate the life and work of Alan Adler, continuous operator of the Flinders St Photobooth (since the 1970s), which will now be presented in partnership with RMIT University in May 2025.