2027 West Space Commission
Application Guidelines
About the opportunity
The West Space Commission is an investment in artists. The program offers support across the development, presentation and communication of new work in our main gallery.
Two artists or collectives are commissioned each year through an open call. They are selected by the West Space Artist Committee, comprising a rotating group of artists based across the continent, the artists on the West Space Board and the West Space Curatorial Team.
About West Space
West Space is a leading independent, non-profit contemporary arts organisation in Naarm (Melbourne), established by artists in 1993.
West Space supports timely work by artists in Australia and beyond. West Space is a place where artistic safety is cultivated, and where the creative community can gather to test and imagine around art and ideas.
West Space Values
First Nations First
West Space operates on Wurundjeri Country, in a continent with an Aboriginal past, present, and future. First Nations voices are embedded across our organisation, from our governance to our artistic program.
For Artists
West Space exists to support artists. We commission timely, groundbreaking art, supporting practice that is rigorous, experimental, socially engaged, and self-reflexive about the role of art in society.
For Purpose
West Space creates space for voices across culture, class, generations, gender, and ability. We advocate for artists and arts professionals and build collaborations and partnerships that provide space for generative practice development.
Open and Welcoming
West Space is a place to gather freely, to test and imagine around art and ideas. With an understanding that art is for everyone, we contextualise works of art and communicate complex ideas to facilitate greater engagement with urgent artistic enquiries.
Applicant Eligibility
The West Space Commission is open to artists living in Australia. Artists living in Victoria are strongly encouraged to apply.
Each Commission year, West Space endeavours to award at least one Commission opportunity to a First Nations artist.
Seeking to redress historical imbalances, we will prioritise applications from First Nations artists, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse artists, and artists from d/Deaf or Disabled communities.
Application process and key dates
Applications open: 3pm AEST, Wednesday 20 August 2025
Applications close: 3pm AEST, Friday 26 September 2025
All applications must be made via the Google Form
Questions about the opportunity can be answered before 6 pm AEST, Thursday 25 September 2025
What we offer
- A commission fee of $5,000 plus superannuation
- Assistance in seeking additional funding to support the production and presentation of the work.
- 12-18 months for the development of your project through access to West Space staff and our networks, culminating in an eight-week presentation in the West Space gallery.
West Space Commissions offer a supportive space for experimentation, mentorship, and building sector connections. Your project will be shared with a wide range of local, national, and international peers and professionals. We will also showcase your work to our audiences through commissioned writing and, where relevant, public discussions and performance programmes.
Looking towards 2027
Applicants are invited to reflect on the following prompts:
- What narratives are currently shaping local and global geographies?
- What artistic gestures are emerging from the margins of these contexts?
- How can artistic work become a space for listening, translation, and reimagination?
Assessment Process
Successful applicants are selected by the West Space Artist Committee, comprising a rotating group of artists based across the continent, the artists on the West Space Board and the West Space Curatorial Team.
Applications will be assessed as per the criteria below. Applicants should endeavour to respond to the selection criteria when answering the application questions or preparing their support material.
All submissions made by First Nations individuals or groups will be initially reviewed by First Nations individuals from the West Space Artist Committee and the West Space Board.
Selection Criteria
- Clear and compelling conceptual rationale;
- Consideration of West Space Values as listed on our website and these guidelines;
- Suitability for gallery size (90 square metres) and scale;
- Ambition and readiness to partake in the opportunity as demonstrated through support material;
- Conceptually rigorous artistic practice as demonstrated through support material; and
- Experience to realise the project as demonstrated through support material.
Support while developing your application
All applications must be received via the Google Form.
Please contact West Space Curator Tahmina Maskinyar (tahmina@westspace.org.au) if you require support in completing the application form or if you have questions as you develop your application.
Information Sessions
An in-person information session will be held at 6pm AEST on Thursday, 28 August 2025 at West Space. Register to attend
An online information session will be held 12pm AEST Friday 29 August 2025 for those located interstate. This will be recorded and shared on our website for those who can't attend. Register to attend
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept mailed or hardcopy applications?
No. If you need support applying, or would like to request an alternative application pathway, please email tahmina@westspace.org.au by 6pm Thursday 25 September 2025.
What do I receive if my application is successful?
- A supportive and responsive environment to develop your project and work through engagement with the West Space curator and team.
- A commission fee.
- Production assistance to the extent required, including support to apply for additional funding.
- Three days of installation covered by West Space. Additional installation will need to be covered by the artist or collective.
- Marketing and communications support.
- Professional photographic documentation of your exhibition.
How do I provide support material for a project that is not complete, particularly when answering the first question?
Show us examples of your past work that give us a good idea of your ideas and research. This could be images (showing how the work was displayed) or links to videos. This shows us you can develop new work for this Commission opportunity.
Important: Please do not create drawings or mock-ups of your proposed project for the West Space gallery.
We don't need these and won't look at them as part of your application.
Can I propose an idea or project that will be exhibited in the next 12 months at another gallery but discuss how I hope to develop it further at West Space if awarded Commission for 2027?
The West Space Commission is for developing a major new work over 12-18 months. You can build on ideas you're already working on, but your application needs to show how this specific opportunity and time frame are right for you and your career right now.
If I apply as a solo artist can I propose contributions from my community or a list of collaborators if that is suitable to my project?
Yes, you can identify key individuals in your answer to questions where they are connected to your artistic practice, methodology or cultural responsibility. A reminder that word count is limited. You are not expected to have a resolved list of contributors, collaborators etc. as part of your application.
How developed does my research or ideas have to be?
We know every artist works differently. We want to understand what you're curious about and the ideas you want to explore. We're not judging you on how much you've already done, but on how well you can explain why the idea is important to you and where it could lead.
How important is site responsiveness to the West Space Commission?
Your project does not have to be about the West Space gallery or Collingwood Yards building. We won't mark you down if it isn't. However, if making work about a specific place is a key part of your usual practice, then you are welcome to propose a site-responsive idea. Just focus on the context that matters to you.