Spacex enters an exciting new era
Spacex, an internationally renowned contemporary art organisation, based on Preston Street, Exeter, has this week shared its plans on how it is hoping to take the organisation into a new and exciting phase.
Following the temporary closure of its gallery at the end of last year, due to funding cuts by the Arts Council, Spacex’s management team have been engaged in thorough consultations with members of the art community and partnership organisations to help devise a sustainable, long-term strategy for the organisation.
In recent years Exeter has celebrated a growth in its rich, cultural and social scene and it is hoped that Spacex, a hidden gem, will be secured as an integral part of this. The local community’s support is needed more than ever and Spacex is actively encouraging involvement from the public, by championing #SupportSpacex messaging on Twitter, as well as inviting donations via the upcoming crowdfunding campaign.
First established in 1974 by an artist cooperative, the studio space offered a unique opportunity for artists to exhibit their work. In the 1990s this evolved, with Spacex opening as a publicly funded contemporary gallery. Since then, the organisation has gained on-going critical acclaim, being held in high regard regionally, nationally and internationally.
Mark Waugh, Chair of the Board, comments: “Spacex, like many other publicly funded organisations in England, has been anticipating the possible changes. Here at Spacex we have been developing our strategy in order to lessen the impact and view recent events as a great opportunity to re-evaluate how we operate, interact and serve the local community.”
Staying true to its roots, the project space will still remain central to Spacex’s offering, with plans to host two artist residencies. One of the organisation’s key fundraising initiatives, set to launch in February, is their Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, which will play a vital role in helping to secure funds.
“Essentially, Kickstarter offers an opportunity for people to support Spacex by ‘clicking and pledging’ via our campaign page. Pledges from £5 to £800 can be made, with various ‘rewards’, tendered by Spacex as a show of thanks. These rewards range from a tote bag to securing fantastic limited edition artwork and previously exhibited pieces.”
Spacex aims to raise £20,000 through the Kickstarter campaign and funds raised will be used to support the two artist residencies.
“This is the first time as an organisation we have ever done anything like this and we are really excited to see the response. It’s not every day that pieces of artwork, such as limited edition prints by Salvatore Arancio and original artworks by Scott King and Laura White are available for people to get their hands on.”
Reaching and engaging audiences will be fundamental to the organisation, and Spacex has already devised a full programme with its growing partnership network for the coming year.
“Spacex continues to work closely with the education community to provide children and young people with access to great quality contemporary art. Talks, workshops and performances will remain a core offering and we are hoping to add to our list of partners in 2015.”
Another exciting development for the organisation is that Spacex will, for the first time in its 40 year history, be available for hire, acting as a unique venue for events. With a recently renovated atrium, Spacex hopes its distinctive contemporary warehouse will become the venue of choice in central Exeter.
“We have been really touched by the steady stream of support messages left on our website and via social media. They clearly demonstrate the many ways in which Spacex is important to the people of Exeter and the south west,” added Mark.
For more information, to donate or to post a message of support, visit www.spacex.org.uk
