WESTSPACE

https://westspace.org.au

WHAT

Established as an artist-run space in 1993. Currently a Contemporary Art Organisation. Read more https://caoa.com.au

WHO

WHEN

EST.1993

WHERE

https://westspace.org.au

WHY

https://westspace.org.au/about

History
In 1993, West Space was founded as an artist-run initiative (ARI) by artists, Brett Jones and Sarah Stubbs. It moved from its initial space in Footscray (an inner western suburb of Melbourne) to larger premises in 1995. At the time, it was one of the few ARIs to present a critically engaged, multi-art form program, accessible to practitioners through peer-assessed applications. This has continued today as a core principle. In 2000, with the assistance and encouragement of the City of Melbourne, West Space relocated to a CBD location in Anthony Street, Melbourne, between RMIT University and the Queen Victoria Market, before moving in 2011 to its present site in a heritage Council building on Bourke Street, in the centre of Melbourne’s CBD. Immediately, the new and improved venue had positive impacts, allowing West Space to significantly expand its exhibition program. In 2005, West Space had taken a key step forward in its operational and professional development by restructuring its governance. This process led to the formation of a Board with the strategic skills to support and grow the organisation.

Since consolidating activities at Bourke Street, West Space has continued to grow its mission and reputation while staying true to its artist-led ethos. In 2012, West Space was invited to become a member of Contemporary Art Organisations Australia (CAOs), a national network of 14 independent art spaces that share knowledge, peer support and offer strategic development of ideas within the broader visual arts sector.

Header Image courtesy WESTSPACE archive:

Introduction to The Trouble with Remuneration ° West Spacehttps://westspace.org.au › along › introduction-to-the-tr…
17 June 2016 — The Trouble with Remuneration explores the variety of ways in which artists and their work interact with capital.