2028 West Space Commissions
Applications to the 2028 West Space Commission will open in August, 2026.
Commissions are selected by our Artist Committee and artist members of our Board and curatorial team.
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; and
- 12-18 months for the development of new work through access to the West Space team and our networks, culminating in an eight-week presentation.
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.
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.
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?
Watch the information session with Tahmina Maskinyar, West Space Curator, and Akil Ahamat, 2024 Commission Artist:
West Space Window
Applications to the 2027 West Space Window program will open in September 2026.
Artists will receive support to present work in our micro-project space on the public façade of the gallery in Collingwood Yards.
What we offer
- Presentation in second half of 2026;
- Artist fee of $650;
- A writer engaged to produce an essay in response to your work for publication on our digital platform, Offsite; and
- Curatorial support and where possible, the development of a discursive program or workshop.
What we are looking for
- Clear and compelling conceptual rationale;
- Suitability for Window size and scale;
- Ambition and readiness to partake in the opportunity; and
- Conceptually rigorous artistic practice as demonstrated through support material.
About the West Space Window
- Previously an entryway, now enclosed by glass, this micro-gallery sits on the façade of West Space’s gallery and office on Level 1, Perry Street building, Collingwood Yards, inner-north Melbourne;
- The Window measures 1020mm wide x 2035mm high x 301mm deep;
- The site is covered by glass, equipped with power access, bluetooth speakers, and illuminated by fluorescent lighting.
West Space Studio
Applications to the West Space Studio residency program will open in September 2026.
Two artists, writers, or curators (collectives welcome) will have access to a studio above our gallery and office, among the community of creatives at Collingwood Yards.
What we offer
- A fully-subsided studio for a six-month residency:
- March → August 2026 or
- September 2026 → February 2027
- Mentorship and support from the West Space team.
What we are looking for
- Capacity to commit to studio practice for six months;
- Willingness to participate in the precinct's creative community; and
- Artists who will benefit from West Space’s guidance.
About the West Space Studio
- 13m2, light filled space, accessible 24/7;
- Private studio alongside emerging, mid-career and established artists and creatives;
- Located on Level 2, Perry Street building, Collingwood Yards, inner-north Melbourne.
