The Ipswich arts community has secured a new venue to display their talents with the Providence Community Centre at South Ripley opening its doors to give local artists the chance to showcase their work in the $3.2 million centre.

The new space will be launched on April 6 with an exhibition of photography by South Ripley artist Kim Pickering. The Paris to Providence exhibition will run until May 20, 2017. The showcases – expected to occur every two months – will feature artists and photographers from across the region.

Submissions have opened for artists who want to showcase their own work for free in the future and each exhibition will receive a similar free opening night experience with live music, canapes and lucky door prizes.