Spacex (art gallery)

Spacex is a contemporary art organisation in Devon, located in Exeter.^[1] Its programme spans installations, performance, photography, sculpture, painting, film and video. Its learning programme is focused on helping visitors of all ages to explore and engage with contemporary art.

Origin and aims

Spacex is located in a converted 19th century warehouse,^[2] midway between Exeter Cathedral and Exeter quayside. It was established in 1974 by an artists’ co-operative. The original purpose was to offer affordable studio and exhibition space to local artists. In the early 1990s, Spacex became a registered charity^[3] and a publicly funded space showing contemporary art free of charge.^[4] Its main source of funds is Arts Council, England.

Collaboration lies at the heart of Spacex. The gallery's role in working with innovative local, national and international artists has been recognised by the Arts Council. Historically Spacex has put on 5-6 exhibitions a year, but more recently it has adopted a more diverse approach which includes more events and more flexible use of the space by artists.^[5] To ensure sustained development Spacex maintains long-lasting relationships with artists and curators, as well as local cultural and educational institutions.

Rooted in the locality of Exeter, its programme aims to contribute to a wider critical debate, regionally nationally and internationally. Spacex finds new ways to capture the interest of a wide range of people, inspiring engagement with and participation in contemporary art.

Learning programme and events

Spacex' programme encourages engagement with the latest developments in contemporary art through commissions, projects and activities.^[6][7] Work also takes place outside 45 Preston St through artist-led projects, events and research.^[8][9] In addition to organising events such as these, Spacex has a significant learning programme, working with students of all ages from local schools and further/higher education institutions.^[10]

Artists that Spacex has worked with (selected)

• Layla Curtis (2013)^[11]
• Anne Eggebert, Matthias Einhoff, David Ferrando Giraut, Polly Gould, Marja Helander, Uta Kogelsberger, Abigail Reynolds, Almut Rink, Emily Speed and Louise K Wilson - Topophobia (2012) ^[12]
• Blast Theory - Bless Practice (2011) ^[13][14]
• Salvatore Arancio - An Arrangement of the Materials Ejected (2011) ^[15]
• Paul Rooney (artist) – Bellevue (2009) ^[16][17]
• Random Acts of Art (2010) ^[18]
• Theo Jansen – Ventosa Siamesis (2010) ^[19][20]
• Emily Wardill - Game Keepers Without Game (2009) ^[21][22][23]
• Simon Pope – Carved From Memory (2009) ^[24]
• Laura Kikauka - Celebration of Failure (2009) ^[25]
• Andre Stitt - Substance (2008) ^[26]
• Christiane Baumgartner – Solaris (2008) ^[27]
• Geoffrey Farmer – The Last 2 Million Years (2008) ^[28]
• Dawn Mellor – Vile Affections (2006) ^[29]
• Mika Taanila – Hotel Futuro (2005) ^[30]
• Phyllida Barlow – Scape (2005) ^[31]

References

External links

• Culture24 entry
• Bing attractions entry
• List of exhibitions, projects and events at Spacex since 2002