About West Space

Started by artists in 1993, West Space is an independent, non-commercial contemporary visual arts organisation.

West Space is responsive to the evolving needs of artists, with rigorous programming that reflects the breadth of artistic practice in Australia and the complexities of our times.

West Space supports the next generation of artists in Australia, and grows communities around art and ideas.

Programs

West Space Gallery

Our main gallery space, showcasing ambitious solo, collaborative and curatorial projects.

West Space Window

Our micro-project space, on the facade of the gallery.

West Space Offsite

Our digital platform, publishing artist-led content and writing in support of our artistic program.

West Space Studio

Our fully subsidised studio, above our gallery and office.

Values

First Nations First

West Space operates on Wurundjeri Country, in a nation with an Aboriginal past, present, and future. First Nations voices are embedded across our governance, programming, exhibitions and discussions.

Creativity

West Space empowers underrepresented artists, providing a supportive space for experimentation and risk-taking.

We support practice that is conceptually rigorous, socially and politically engaged, self-reflexive about the role of art in society, and introduce new ideas or ways of thinking to our community.

Community

West Space cultivates a personalised approach to the experience of contemporary art. This is where enduring relationships to people, art and ideas can begin.

West Space creates space for voices across culture, class, gender, and ability. We connect across the regions, the nation, the Asia Pacific and beyond.

Hospitality & Accessibility

West Space strives to be open and welcoming. With an understanding that art is for everyone, we aim to contextualise works of art, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Statement of solidarity

West Space stands with artists and allies in the call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Artists in our community are speaking truth to power, emboldening and activating their audiences. Globally, we are witnessing an unacceptable level of backlash, moral violence, bullying and silencing.

Artists: we see you. We recognise and support the important work that you are doing — and you are not alone.

History

West Space was founded in 1993 by artists Brett Jones and Sarah Stubbs, in the western suburb of Footscray. West Space was of the few artist-run spaces in Naarm/Melbourne presenting a critically engaged, multi-art form program, accessible through peer-assessed applications.

In 2000, West Space relocated to Anthony Street in the CBD, and in 2005, formed a Board with the strategic skills to steer and grow the organisation.

In 2011, West Space moved to a site spanning five exhibition spaces on Bourke Street. We began actively commissioning new work in 2014, and in 2017, introduced NAVA-rated fees for all exhibiting artists. As one of the few organisations our size to take this landmark and critical step, West Space is recognised as an exemplary model for best practice.

In 2020, West Space moved to a single 90sqm space in multi-arts precinct Collingwood Yards, inner-north Melbourne, alongside fellow creatives, not-for-profits and social enterprises.

Here, our focus is on well-supported projects with long incubation periods, by underrepresented artists at all stages in their careers. This is exemplified by the West Space Commission, offering 12-18 months of guidance across the development, delivery, and communication of ambitious projects in our main gallery.

Today, West Space combines the flexibility and creative freedom of an artist-run initiative, with the professional infrastructure and curatorial support of a larger public institution.

This affords us a unique position, with the ability to act as a conduit across the arts ecology - connecting national and intergenerational peers and concerns.

From our position among a thriving community of artists, West Space advocates for artists and arts professionals, and take responsibility in leading conversations and mentoring early career creatives.