Who We Are

Watch This Space works to be a catalyst and conduit for conversations and experiments in the always-evolving languages of art. It supports contemporary art dialogue in Mparntwe/Alice Springs both inside and outside a gallery space, encouraging, nurturing and promoting Central Australian and visiting artists. We are an ARI hub where studio artists and exhibiting artists intersect, housing a diversity of creative practices. We employ a Coordinator and specific project officers, supported by a Board of Management and Curatorial Committee that includes long term members holding a depth of historical knowledge about the ecology underpinning an arts practice in Central Australian contexts.

Why We Are Needed

Watch This Space is the only contemporary experimental art space in a 1500km radius; the only platform for local, interstate and international artists to create and exhibit experimental contemporary work in Central Australia. We are committed to this cause and have played a critical role in the creative ecology of Alice Springs and greater Central Australia over the past 24 years.

Watch This Space aims to:

• Prioritise the development of creative and artistic activity outside a traditional gallery space.
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with the broader community.
• Progress its role within the arts community as an incubator of experimental practice and engage with new modalities of art making.
• Engage in intercultural collaborations that cultivate shared approaches to the challenging social issues faced by the town and region.

What We Do To Support Contemporary Art

Our annual Creative Program consists of (but is not limited to):

• On- and off-site exhibitions for contemporary artists and curators; local, interstate and international.
• Our Travelling Artist Residency for 'out-of-town' artists: a one month residency in our on-site reserved studio space with the opportunity to exhibit work at the end of the month.
• Consistent support to our 5 Studio Artists, as well as all other artists involved with the space.
• The opportunity for artists to work alongside local community artists, both holding and participating in workshops.
• Access to our outdoor venue JBird's Place for community events and performances.
• Alice Sings, a weekly Pop-Choir open to all community members, aimed at engaging participants with music and forming connections with all involved.
• The Lofty Annual Art Awards: awarded to a local artist acknowledging their significant contribution to the communities they work amongst. Named in honour of co-founder, Pam Lofts.

How You Will Make A Difference

While we are supported by the NT Government to operate on a basic level, our projects are self-funded and are often undertaken with little to no funding. More assistance would mean stronger projects with more effective and influential artistic, cultural and social outcomes. It would mean more support for our artists and their work. It would mean so much to our organisation to provide as much assistance as possible to the groups and individuals whose practices enrich our communities.