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Applications have now closed for the 2026 West Space Commission Program.

Two successful artists or collectives will receive support to develop a project for presentation in our main gallery space.

Applicants will be notified on the outcome mid-December 2024.

About West Space:

West Space is the leading independent visual arts organisation in Naarm/Melbourne's inner-north.

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.

About the Commission Program:

The West Space Commission is an opportunity to develop and present new work with the mentorship of our team.

West Space provides professional pathways, growing their capacity, networks and audiences. We support experimentation and risk-taking outside the demands of larger institutions.

2 large screens stand on the floor of West Space Gallery. There are black cords that drape across the roof and all around the space.
Akil Ahamat, 'Extinguishing Hope', 2024, installation view, West Space, Collingwood Yards. Photography by Janelle Low.

What we offer:

  • Artist fee of $5,000 (plus Superannuation);
  • Support to gain additional funding;
  • 6-8 week exhibition period in 2026;
  • 12-18 months development, and a supportive platform for experimentation;
  • Accompanying essay and public program, contextualising and communicating your project to audiences;
  • Connection to local, regional, national and international peers, industry professionals and audiences.

What we are looking for:

  • Expressions of interest that are 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.
  • Seeking to redress historical imbalances, we prioritise applications from First Nations artists, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, gender diverse artists, d/Deaf artists and artists with lived experience of disability.
  • Applications are open to artists based anywhere in Australia, but be mindful that we do not have the budget for freight or travel. We do however, assist you to gain additional funding to support bringing you and your project to Naarm/Melbourne.

Selection criteria:

  • Clear and compelling conceptual rationale;
  • Consideration of West Space Values;
  • Suitability for gallery size (90sqm) and scale;
  • Ambition and readiness to partake in the opportunity;
  • Ability to realise the project, as demonstrated by an appropriate level of experience and support material.
People sitting on bean bags in gallery space watching video installation. Three square projections on wall of people sitting and standing in a dimly lit room wearing dressing gowns and weaving at a table.
Gabi Briggs, 'ARKAN & IRBELA', installation view, West Space, Collingwood Yards, 2024. Photography by Machiko Abe.

Recent West Space Commissions:

  • Joel Spring & Victoria Pham: TERRA: Memory + Soil (2022)

  • Hoang Tran Nguyen: House of Mother Tongue, House of Other Tongue (2022)

  • Grace Culley: Surprised face; Heart eyes (2023)

  • HOSSEI: THUNDERBLOOM (2023)

  • Gabi Briggs: ARKAN & IRBELA (2024)

  • Akil Ahamat: Extinguishing Hope (2024)

  • Upcoming projects by Katie West (2025) and Tina Stefanou (2025)

Access and more information:

Opportunities are selected from a short written application and examples of previous work. We value plain language and clear communication, and accept answers as audio or video if you prefer.

Applications are assessed by a diverse group of creatives based across the nation, comprising our Artist Committee, artists on our Board and our curatorial team.

For questions about the opportunity contact info@westspace.org.au

We held an Online Info Session on 11 October. If you missed it, watch last year's session here:

https://youtu.be/9EjRUcJyknc?si=HQK7QvMJqb2J4x4u