Originally established in Footscray in Melbourne’s western suburbs and now based in Collingwood Yards, West Space is one of many long-running and well-established artist-run initiatives (ARIs) in Melbourne. Its latest exhibition, Unison, celebrates 30 years of operation and re-presents the past work of key figures in conversation with contemporary artists based locally, interstate and in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Participating artist in Unison and recent BFA Honours graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Kaijern Koo says: ‘Prior to moving to Melbourne, I really only knew art spaces to be some version of a museum or commercial gallery. ARIs have filled the gaps in a really vital way, in terms of providing a space for more experimental works and emerging artists.’
