Applications–

Applications for 2013 are now closed.

gallery1_1 Gallery 1, photograph by Matthew Stanton.

About the space

West Space features a series of spaces that support a range of practices:

Galleries 1, 2 + 3
There are three gallery spaces that support exhibitions of 3.5 weeks in duration. These are Gallery 1 (large); Gallery 2 (medium); Gallery 3 (small).
There are also three other spaces that support other types of practices and which can be booked for different durations.

The Back Space + The Front Space
West Space is dedicated to exploring ways to enable more responsive, event-based programming alongside our usual exhibition program in Galleries 1, 2 and 3. The Back Space and the Front Space are multi-purpose project spaces that are designed to support a range of projects at various stages of generation and presentation. West Space is interested in a more dynamic and responsive model for engaging with artists’ practices, which acknowledges the development phase as well as final presentation. These spaces will be programmed in a more flexible, open-ended manner. Potential outcomes can take any form and projects can go for any duration – from a few hours up to a number of weeks. We are looking forward to these experiments unfolding at the new West Space.

The Back Space is conceived as an incubator or laboratory that gives a space for artists to test and explore different ideas. We want to encourage onsite activity and hope that the new West Space will be a space for making and thinking as well as a place to view artwork. We encouraged experimentation, and do not expect these projects to always be fully resolved and highly finished.

The Front Space can be used as an exhibition space but is also well suited for hosting events, lectures, performances, symposia, etc.

We invite for artists, collectives and curators to also submit applications for discursive programs, events, performances, audiovisual projects, research projects or onsite studio activity that will be housed in our project and forum spaces. For more information about our Front Space and Back Space please call Kelly Fliedner on 03 9662 3297 or email info@westspace.org.au

The Reading Room
West Space has a remarkable history of writing and publication. West Space’s new Reading Room is envisaged as an engine room for the creation of publishing and writing projects; an exhibition space for publishing and design-related projects; and a work and meeting space for groups. We have commissioned Melbourne artist Spiros Panigirarkis to develop this space, which will open in late 2011.

Information about the space

• Please see the photographs below for a good indication of each space.
• West Space is sited in a 1940s era building, which features parquetry floors, an exposed concrete ceiling and original art deco features.
• Gallery 1, Front Space and Back Space are filled with natural light, which streams in from the large windows alongside the gallery. Galleries 2 + 3 have little natural light, and are consequently better equipped for audiovisual and projects that require darkened rooms.
• All gallery walls are plasterboard and are clad with 12mm MDF to enable easy and robust hanging of works.
• Permanently installed fluorescent bank lighting runs through the centre of all spaces. If directional lighting is desired, West Space has a system of theatre-style par can, which can be mounted from hooks in the roof.
• There are numerous general power outlets in each room, and two banks of ceiling mounted power outlets.

Who can apply

West Space welcomes proposals by practitioners working in all fields of creative endeavor. These fields broadly include visual and audiovisual arts, multi- and new media, sound, design, craft, writing and publishing, live art and performance.

West Space welcomes proposals by emerging and established practitioners.

Applications for solo or group exhibitions are welcome.

West Space does not exhibit work by current undergraduate students. We will accept proposals from undergraduate students for exhibitions that will commence after their studies are complete.

West Space selects proposals with a view to programming a first class calendar of events. We seek to balance emerging and experienced artists, while presenting a broad range of media and critical approaches.

Exhibition Fees
All fees listed below are for a 3.5 week exhibition, plus a 4-day installation period. Gallery 1: $990 (including GST)
Gallery 2: $770 (including GST)
Gallery 3: $550 (including GST)

Back Space: $660 (including GST)
Front Space: $660 (including GST)
Rental fees for different durations (such as one night or one week) can be negotiated with West Space.

Please note that the rental fees have remained at the same rates that were charged at Anthony Street, although the spaces are much larger.

West Space does not take a commission on sold works.

Equipment
West Space has a small selection of audiovisual equipment. For more specific details please contact us.
• 1x Projector (rental fees apply to this item)
• 4x DVD/CD/VCD player (multi-zone)
• 1x stereo VCR (with loop)
• 1x amplifier (surround and stereo functions)
• 4x televisions 51cm
• 1x pairs speakers
• 6x Headphones
• 1x slide projector
Basic leads and cables are included. West Space does not loan equipment for off-premises projects.

How to apply

General Information
Only postal applications and those brought into West Space in person are considered. Emailed applications are not considered.
Applications must be typed. Please include your name on all pages of the proposal.

If you are considering a project that will span multiple gallery spaces, please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss your plans before preparing your proposal. We welcome ambitious projects and want to ensure they are not disadvantaged.

If proposing major construction work to occur during installation and de-installation, please include a schedule for installation and de-installation. Set-up times are Monday morning through to Thursday morning.

Returns
Please do not send original material. If you want your support material returned via post, please include a sufficiently stamped, sufficiently sized, self-addressed envelope. We are unable to return support material if you do not include an envelope or sufficient postage. Alternatively, you may come and pick it up in person from West Space.

If you get an exhibition
• Each exhibitor is responsible for sitting the gallery for two days over three and a half weeks (negotiable for interstate/overseas exhibitors). The gallery is open to the public Wed-Fri 12-6, Sat 12-5.
• Successful applicants will need to sign an exhibitor’s agreement upon exhibition acceptance.
• No commission is charged on the sale of work.
• Exhibitors are responsible for insuring their work and/or equipment if required.
• West Space will send a promotional email to our list of 3000+ subscribers
• West Space will provide line listings in Art Almanac and Art Guide.
• Please note that after May 2012 West Space will no longer print hard copy invitations. We are moving to a system of twice-yearly posters with information on all exhibitions.
• West Space will promote your exhibition on the West Space website.
• West Space will photographically document your project and in situ shots of the exhibition will be placed on our website.
• The opening bar service will be provided by the West Space committee (drinks for sale, food is not included).

Required Applicant Information

Proposal Cover Page (one A4 page only) must include:
• Main contact person and contact details.
• Names of all applicants if a group show is being proposed.
• Preferred exhibition space.
• Preferred exhibition times.
• A very short (two sentence) summary description of your proposal.
• Please indicate if the proposed work contains audio.
• Clearly indicate if you are interested in using West Space’s equipment.

Project Description (one A4 page only). Description of the exhibition and the work you wish to exhibit.

The following are some points that contribute to clear and informative proposals.
• Use plain English.
• Use clear subheadings in your text.
• Keep your application brief.
• The description of work may take the form of What, Why, Where, How.
• If the work is especially suited to a particular gallery, describe why.

Curriculum Vitae (one A4 page only). Please include for each of the applicants.

Support Material
The quality of your support material is important. It is preferable if the support material relates directly to your exhibition description. However, material that clearly indicates your ideas and work approaches are adequate.
You may supply still images and/or audiovisual material. Do not duplicate the same material in two different formats.

Submitting digital images
Maximum 30 images for a solo show, maximum 50 for a group show. Please provide in jpeg format on CD.

Audiovisual Support Material
West Space can view materials on DVD, audio CD and Quicktime format. Maximum duration of A/V material: 12 minutes.

You may add a small amount of other support material, such as past publications, invitations, exhibition reviews etc.

Description of support material (no more than one A4 page)
Include name, date, medium, and dimensions. Include a brief description of the relation between your support material and proposed show. Is it the actual work to be exhibited or is it indicative only?

Please bring your application to West Space in person or send to:
West Space
PO Box 24091
Melbourne VIC 3001

For further information, please contact our Program Coordinator, Kelly Fliedner, on +61 3 9662 3297 or at info[at]westspace.org.au.

frontspace
Front Space. All photography by Matthew Stanton.