Apply
West Space provides three open-call opportunities:
- West Space Commissions (2 each year, selected 18 months in advance)
- West Space Window (selected 6-12 months in advance)
- West Space Studio (6 month residencies, selected 6-12 months in advance)
West Space Commissions
The West Space Commission is an investment in artists, supporting the development, presentation, and communication of ambitious new work.
Each year, two artists are selected by open-call by our Artist Committee, artist members of our Board and our 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?
Applications to the 2028 West Space Commission will open in August 2026.
Watch the information session with Tahmina Maskinyar, West Space Curator, and Akil Ahamat, 2024 Commission Artist:
West Space Window
Artists receive support to present work in our micro-project space on the public façade of the gallery in Collingwood Yards.
What we offer
- 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.
Applications to the 2027 West Space Window will open in September 2026.
West Space Studio
Two artists, writers, or curators (collectives welcome) 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;
- 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.
Applications to the West Space Studio residency program will open in September 2026.
West Space Volunteers
West Space provides a Volunteer Program for emerging artists and arts professionals to learn new skills and grow their networks.
West Space Volunteers
- Assist with our artistic program, operations and archive;
- Are part of a collaborative, passionate, highly productive team;
- Foster relationships with artists and sector peers; and
- Contribute to a welcoming, hospitable place to visit.
Becoming a Volunteer
Volunteers work alongside our team on Fridays, Saturdays, opening events and public programs.
Join the waitlist by saying hello (info@westspace.org.au) and telling us,
- A brief description of yourself;
- What you’d like to learn from your time at West Space;
- Your availability.
