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.
Unison is part of a larger reflection on the changing role of ARIs in the Australian arts landscape. Others include KINGS, BLINDSIDE, Bus Projects, TCB Art, Blak Dot and SEVENTH Gallery – each of which have, over time, developed different models that serve distinct audiences.
