About
Mission
West Space works locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, across art-forms and sites, to advance multidisciplinary exploration and expand the possibilities of exhibition-making.
We do this through commissioning and contextualising contemporary art by local and underrepresented artists at all stages of their careers.
Values
Acknowledge
We acknowledge the rich history and living culture of Australia’s first people, their deep connections to land and sea, and we specifically acknowledge their contributions to art and culture. We operate from a position of deep respect, and recognise the importance of reflecting this in everything we do.
Access
We practice inclusion. We provide open-access opportunities and are transparent in our organisational structure. Our artistic program and internal operations reflect the local diversity of cultures, genders, perspectives and positions.
Artists
Our artistic program ignites the careers of artists, and maintains support for artists at all stages of their practice. We embed artists within our organisation in roles of governance, leadership, programming, and education.
Community
We occupy a key position within the ecology of art organisations, and we recognise the centrality of artists within this ecology. We listen, and we respond to our context and our community.
Creation
We provide development opportunities by investing in the processes of making artwork, through the payment of artist fees and major commissions. We work locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, across art-
forms and sites, to advance multidisciplinary exploration and expand the possibilities of exhibition-making. We extend these conversations and engage broader audiences through our publishing, education and public programs.
About West Space
Founded by artists, West Space is a centre for contemporary art situated in Melbourne, Australia, on the land of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin Nation.
West Space combines the professional infrastructure and curatorial support of a contemporary art institution with the flexibility, creative freedom, and risk-taking of an artist-run space. Our rigorous program aims to support local and underrepresented artists at all stages of their careers, through exhibitions, commissioning, publishing and mentoring.
West Space advocates for artists and arts workers, and takes responsibility in leading discussions that contribute to broad contemporary art concerns, be they social, political, aesthetic, or material.
West Space is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
West Space is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
West Space gratefully acknowledges the support of the City of Melbourne through its Arts and Culture Triennial Program.
West Space is a member of CAOs (Contemporary Art Organisations Australia network)