paranaple arts centre

Located in the heart of Devonport, the paranaple arts centre serves as a hub for exhibitions, performances and community events.

The arts centre is part of a broader development project aimed at revitalising Devonport’s city centre. Its name, paranaple, reflects the Indigenous heritage of the area, deriving from the Tasmanian Aboriginal word for the nearby Mersey River. The centre houses several key cultural institutions, including the Devonport Regional Gallery and the Devonport Library. These facilities contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a centre for creativity and learning.

The centre also plays an important role in preserving and showcasing the history and culture of Devonport and its surrounding areas. The Devonport Regional Gallery, in particular, has a strong focus on works by Tasmanian artists, providing insight into the island’s diverse artistic traditions. By hosting regular exhibitions, workshops and events, the paranaple arts centre supports both established and emerging talents while fostering a connection between the community and the arts.

What to see at the paranaple arts centre

The paranaple arts centre offers a range of attractions for visitors. The Devonport Regional Gallery is a central feature, showcasing a mix of contemporary and historical art. Its permanent collection includes works by significant Tasmanian and Australian artists, while temporary exhibitions often highlight local themes or international influences. Visitors can expect a varied programme, with changing displays ensuring there is always something new to explore.

In addition to the gallery, the centre hosts a range of performances and cultural events. The theatre is a versatile space that accommodates plays, concerts and film screenings. Local productions and touring performances are regularly featured, offering entertainment for a wide audience.

Temporary exhibitions at the Devonport Regional Gallery

The Devonport Regional Gallery has a programme of temporary exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:

Touching Other People’s Butterflies
Joan Ross’s Touching Other People’s Butterflies, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia, is displayed daily at Devonport Regional Gallery’s Market Square Screen at 10am and 2pm until 6 December 2026. This 2-minute-30-second digital animation reimagines Joseph Lycett’s Distant View of Hobart (1825), blending colonial and contemporary elements to explore themes of possession and dispossession in the Australian landscape. The loan is part of Australia’s Sharing the National Collection programme.

Reunion: Reflections on the Portraits of Owen Lade, Amanda Davies Solo Commission 2025
This exhibition (until 1 November 2025) reinterprets Owen Lade’s portrait paintings through new group compositions by Amanda Davies. Relationships between artist and sitter are examined, creating fresh narratives. Davies also reworks Lade’s self-portrait Yours Sincerely with a contemporary approach to the nude. Works from Devonport Regional Gallery and Luke Wagner’s collection feature alongside these pieces. A critical essay by Dr Eliza Burke considers Davies’ response to Lade and wider ideas in portraiture.

Visiting the paranaple arts centre

The paranaple arts centre is in the city centre with easy access to public transport and accommodation options.

The centre’s opening hours vary depending on the facilities and events. The Devonport Regional Gallery is open Monday–Saturday, although the theatre and event spaces may have extended hours depending on scheduled performances or activities.

Admission to the Devonport Regional Gallery is free, although some special exhibitions or workshops may have entry fees.

The paranaple arts centre also has its own on-site café and its central location means that there are plenty of other options for eating and drinking nearby.

Market Square, 145 Rookes Street, Devonport TAS 7310
Website www.paranapleartscentre.com.au
Admission Free
Open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–2pm