West Space and Footscray Community Art Centre are seeking expressions of interest from artists, collectives and curators to be considered for a development and exhibition opportunity co-commissioned by West Space and Footscray Community Art Centre. The exhibition will take place at FCAC in the Roslyn Smorgon Gallery, and at West Space, in Collingwood Yards in the second half of 2022.
About the opportunity
This is an opportunity to work with two of Melbourne's leading arts organisations; West Space and Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC). One successful EOI will be selected by West Space and FCAC to work with both organisations towards the production and presentation of new works to be exhibited across two venues: FCAC’s Roslyn Smorgon Gallery and West Space in the second half of 2022.
What we are looking for:
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Contemporary artistic projects that forefront social justice and community engagement;
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Sensitivity to site, context, and histories;
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Exhibitions that conceptually and thematically respond to the two sites.
About West Space
West Space was founded by artists in 1993. Almost three decades on, we operate as a contemporary art gallery, a commissioning organisation, and as a space for critical reflection and curatorial vision. West Space works locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, across artforms and sites, to expand the possibilities of exhibition-making. Through on-site exhibitions and off-site programs, we build local and global communities around contemporary art. Over our 27-year history, we have evolved as a distinct organisation that combines an artist-centric ethos with the supportive infrastructure of a contemporary art institution, with a focus on supporting artists at pivotal points in their careers.
About Footscray Community Arts Centre
FCAC is Australia’s leading community-engaged contemporary arts organisation working with local, regional and international communities. FCAC is committed to creating opportunities, developing and presenting cultural events that drive social change and reflect the complex and diverse nature of contemporary Australian society. Attracting 85,000+ visitors each year, FCAC works closely with four communities of focus (First Nations, migrant and refugee, people with disability and LGBTQIA+) to present outstanding new work.
Application process
EOIs will be accepted via our website until 11:59pm, Monday 1st February 2021. Please note that technical support will not be available after 6pm on the due date.
We strongly encourage applicants to discuss their commission idea with West Space staff via the APPLY page on our website.
In line with FCAC’s organisational vision and West Space’s core values, this opportunity aims to platform and prioritise the voices of artists from Indigenous, migrant and refugee, disability and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Access information
Applicants who may have difficulty completing forms are encouraged to contact West Space to organise alternative presentation methods for their EOI. We are happy to facilitate face-to-face meetings, phone or Skype calls, audio or video recordings, or other suggested presentation methods.
The selected artist/collective/curator will receive:
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Access to shared studio space in Henderson House for first half of 2022, as part of FCAC’s artist in residence program, RESIDENCE;
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An exhibition at West Space;
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An exhibition at Roslyn Smorgon Gallery at Footscray Community Arts Centre;
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A $4,000 fee;
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In kind support to the value of $9,738 (including staffing, venue hire, marketing, public programs, install support and accessibility programs across West Space and FCAC);
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Cultural and community guidance as required;
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Regular curatorial and administrative assistance, including curatorial stewardship and critical framing, with studio visits as required to support the development of the project and as broader development as an artist;
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Assistance in seeking further funding;
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Assistance in developing budgets and project management skills;
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Marketing and publicity;
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Exhibition design and installation support;
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Networking and other professional development opportunities.
Selection criteria:
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Clear and compelling conceptual rationale; including a sensitivity to site, context, and histories.
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Consideration of West Space’s core values;
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Consideration of Footscray Community Art Centre’s history, the communities they serve, and the greater western suburbs of Melbourne;
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Ambition and readiness to partake in the opportunity;
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Ability to realise the project, as demonstrated by an appropriate level of experience and support material.
Image: Henderson House at Footscray Community Arts Centre. Image by Gianna Rizzo Photography.