IN THE wake of recent appalling cuts to significant arts organisations in the ACT, Canberra Contemporary Art Space is striking back.

They may have missed out on this round of Australia Council funding, staff are saying  “but that’s not going to stop us from doing what we do best… producing gutsy exhibitions and having fun while doing it.”

On July 9 CCAS will introduce a completely new concept in fundraising where everyone is a winner—after you pay $250, that is. “Quick Draw” is intended to be a night of fast paced fancy-free fun and entertainment, where everyone goes home with an artwork. You just don’t know which one it will be … but there will be some surprises along the way.

50 of the hottest artists from Canberra and around the country have generously donated artwork that will be randomly assigned to our guests over the course of the evening. This means that tickets will be strictly limited and will sell out fast.

Supporting ACT artists has always been at the core of CCAS’s operations and the proceeds from “Quick Draw” go directly towards maintaining artist’s fees, rent free gallery space and professional support.

CCAS Director David Broker said, “In the aftermath of “Black Friday” for the arts, CCAS has experienced overwhelming community support. Quick Draw is a wonderful opportunity to exchange words for cash, to show support for CCAS and the many talented artists it has served over 34 years.”

Artists, he says,  have been quick to respond and we have received some astonishing pieces from established and emerging artists such as, Mariana del Castillo, Jacqui Bradley, Rosalind Lemoh, Mandy Martin and Peter Vandermark.

Tickets are on sale now and there is not a moment to lose. $250 is a small gamble for a big reward, with Quick Draw you simply can’t lose.

“Quick Draw”, at Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman Arts Centre,   July 9, bookings to  eventbrite.com.au/e/quick-draw-tickets-25806214081