Spacex (art gallery)

Spacex was a contemporary art organisation, located in Exeter, between 1974 and 2017.[1] It was founded in 1974 by John Butler as an artist co-operative.[2] Its programme spanned installations, performance, photography, sculpture, painting, film and video. Its learning programme focused on helping visitors of all ages to explore and engage with contemporary art.

Spacex
Photograph of the entrance 45 Preston Street in Exeter
Spacex, Exeter
Established1974
Dissolved2017
TypeContemporary art organisation
CuratorTom Trevor, Nicola Hood, Kathy Norris, Hannah Reeves
Websitespacex.org.uk

Spacex ceased activity at the end of 2017 with the formal closure of the charity.[3]

Origin and aims

Spacex was located in a converted 19th century warehouse,[4] 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[5] and a publicly funded space showing contemporary art free of charge.[6]

Collaboration was 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 in the 2010s it began to adopt a more diverse approach which includes more events and more flexible use of the space by artists.[7]

Learning programme and events

Spacex' programme encouraged engagement with the latest developments in contemporary art through commissions, projects and activities.[8][9] Work also took place outside of 45 Preston St through artist-led projects, events and research.[10][11] In addition to organising events such as these, Spacex had a significant learning programme, working with students of all ages from local schools and further/higher education institutions.[12]

Selected artists

References

  1. Jemima Laing. "BBC - Small is beautiful for two Devon art galleries". BBC News. London: BBC. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  2. "Spacex Gallery". www.artbiogs.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  3. "SPACEX LIMITED - Overview (Free company information from Companies House)".
  4. "Spacex, Exeter : Nick Gilbert Scott - Architect / Designer, Exeter, Devon". nickgilbertscott.com. 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  5. Source: Spacex charity framework and trustees
  6. Source: Art places directory
  7. Source: Working with contemporary art - Nicola Hood
  8. Project report: Public Art Online, Autumn 2000 - Homing: Projects for Kosovo
  9. Case study: Drawing in Action
  10. Review: Interface, June 2011 - The Recipe Exchange project by Dr Stephen Riley
  11. Website: The Recipe Exchange & Gallery as Community - Helen Pritchard
  12. Website: Art on your doorstep - Spacex educational programme
  13. Topophobia Review: Frieze 17/06/2012
  14. Blast Theory Review: Interface, December 2011
  15. Blast Theory Review: Country calling, December 2011
  16. Salvatore Arancio Review: The Guardian, November 2011
  17. Paul Rooney Review: Culture24, 19/10/2010
  18. Paul Rooney Review: Art rabbit, October 2010
  19. Random Acts of Art Review: BBC Devon, 15/4/2010
  20. Theo Jansen Review: Culture24, May 2010
  21. Theo Jansen Review: BBC Devon, 24/6/2010
  22. Emily Wardill Review: Frieze, January 2010
  23. Emily Wardill Review: Interface, January 2010
  24. Emily Wardill Review: ArtsCulture, December 2009
  25. Simon Pope Review: BBC Devon, May 2009
  26. Laura Kikauka Preview: The Guardian, 7/3/2009
  27. Andre Stitt Review: The Guardian, 23/10/2008
  28. Christiane Baumgartner Preview: The Guardian, December 2008
  29. Geoffrey Farmer Review: "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Frieze, January 2008
  30. Dawn Mellor Review: Artcornwall, March 2006
  31. Mika Taanila Review: Art daily, June 2005
  32. Phyllida Barlow Review: Art daily, May 2005

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