Spacex (art gallery)

Spacex

Spacex, Preston Street, Exeter
Established	1974
Location	45 Preston Street, Exeter, England
Coordinates	50°43′12″N 3°32′01″W / 50.7201°N 3.5337°W
Type	Contemporary art organisation
Website	spacex.org.uk

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' Spacex have worked with(selected)

• 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) ^[11]
• Blast Theory - Bless Practice (2011) ^[12][13]
• Salvatore Arancio - An Arrangement of the Materials Ejected (2011) ^[14]
• Paul Rooney (artist) – Bellevue (2009) ^[15][16]
• Random Acts of Art (2010) ^[17]
• Theo Jansen – Ventosa Siamesis (2010) ^[18][19]
• Emily Wardill - Game Keepers Without Game (2009) ^[20][21][22]
• Simon Pope – Carved From Memory (2009) ^[23]
• Laura Kikauka - Celebration of Failure (2009) ^[24]
• Andre Stitt - Substance (2008) ^[25]
• Christiane Baumgartner – Solaris (2008) ^[26]
• Geoffrey Farmer – The Last 2 Million Years (2008) ^[27]
• Dawn Mellor – Vile Affections (2006) ^[28]
• Mika Taanila – Hotel Futuro (2005) ^[29]
• Phyllida Barlow – Scape (2005) ^[30]

References

1. Jemima Laing. "BBC - Small is beautiful for two Devon art galleries". BBC News (London: BBC). Retrieved 11 May 2013.
2. "Spacex, Exeter : Nick Gilbert Scott - Architect / Designer, Exeter, Devon". nickgilbertscott.com. 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
3. Source: Spacex charity framework and trustees
4. Source: Art places directory
5. Source: Working with contemporary art - Nicola Hood
6. Project report: Public Art Online, Autumn 2000 - Homing: Projects for Kosovo
7. Case study: Drawing in Action
8. Review: Interface, June 2011 - The Recipe Exchange project by Dr Stephen Riley
9. Website: The Recipe Exchange & Gallery as Community - Helen Pritchard
10. Website: Art on your doorstep - Spacex educational programme
11. Topophobia Review: Frieze 17/06/2012
12. Blast Theory Review: Interface, December 2011
13. Blast Theory Review: Country calling, December 2011
14. Salvatore Arancio Review: The Guardian, November 2011
15. Paul Rooney Review: Culture24, 19/10/2010
16. Paul Rooney Review: Art rabbit, October 2010
17. Random Acts of Art Review: BBC Devon, 15/4/2010
18. Theo Jansen Review: Culture24, May 2010
19. Theo Jansen Review: BBC Devon, 24/6/2010
20. Emily Wardill Review: Frieze, January 2010
21. Emily Wardill Review: Interface, January 2010
22. Emily Wardill Review: ArtsCulture, December 2009
23. Simon Pope Review: BBC Devon, May 2009
24. Laura Kikauka Preview: The Guardian, 7/3/2009
25. Andre Stitt Review: The Guardian, 23/10/2008
26. Christiane Baumgartner Preview: The Guardian, December 2008
27. Geoffrey Farmer Review: Frieze, January 2008
28. Dawn Mellor Review: Artcornwall, March 2006
29. Mika Taanila Review: Art daily, June 2005
30. Phyllida Barlow Review: Art daily, May 2005

External links

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