West Space Commissions
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 by open-call. They are selected by the West Space Artist Committee, comprising a rotating group of artists based across the continent, artists on the West Space 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.
- 12-18 months for the development of your project through access to West Space staff and our networks, culminating in an eight-week presentation.
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.
2027 West Space Commission
Applications for an outcome in 2027 are now open and due by 3pm AEST, Friday 26 September 2025.
Guidelines and FAQs
Apply
Register: in-person information session: 28 August 2025, 6pm
Register: online information session 29 August 2025, 12pm
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.
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?
Applications comprise an expression of interest and examples of previous work. We accept applications in written form, audio or video.
Recent Commissions
- 2026: Daisy (Vic), Wassila Abboud (NSW)
- 2025: Katie West (WA), Tina Stefanou (Vic)
- 2024: Akil Ahamat (NSW), Gabi Briggs (Vic)
- 2023: HOSSEI (NSW), Grace Culley (Vic)
- 2022: Hoang Tran Nguyen (Vic), Joel Sherwood Spring (NSW) & Victoria Pham (Aus/Paris)
“With West Space, it’s never just a show — it’s a relationship. One that continues to grow, hold, and champion practice for the long run.
West Space gave me the freedom to be ambitious, vulnerable, and experimental.
What sets West Space apart is their deep trust in artists and commitment to supporting you every step of the way, and long after the show is over.
Their care and belief in work that’s risky, tender, or comes from the margins doesn’t just enable the work — it transforms it.
It transforms careers." — HOSSEI
