Spacex was a contemporary art organisation, located in Exeter, between 1974 and 2017. It was founded in 1974 by John Butler as an artists' co-operative. Its programme encompassed installations, performance, photography, sculpture, painting, film and video. Its learning programme focused on helping visitors of all generations to explore and engage with contemporary art.
Spacex ceased activity at the end of 2017 with the formal closure of the charity.
Origin and aims Spacex was located in a converted 19th-century warehouse, midway between Exeter Cathedral and Exeter quayside. The original purpose was to offer affordable studio and exhibition space to local artists. In the early 1990s, Spacex became a registered charitySource: Spacex charity framework and trustees and a publicly funded space showing contemporary art free of charge.Source: Art places directory
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. Spacex had typically put on 5-6 exhibitions a year, but in the 2010s began to adopt a more diverse approach including more events and more flexible use of the space by artists.Source: Working with contemporary art - Nicola Hood
Learning programme and events Spacex's programme encouraged engagement with the latest developments in contemporary art through commissions, projects and activities.Project report: Public Art Online, Autumn 2000 - Homing: Projects for KosovoCase study: Drawing in Action Work also took place away from 45 Preston St through artist-led projects, events and research.Review: Interface, June 2011 - The Recipe Exchange project by Dr Stephen RileyWebsite: The Recipe Exchange & Gallery as Community - Helen Pritchard Spacex also had a significant learning programme, working with students from local schools and further-/higher-education institutions.Website: Art on your doorstep - Spacex educational programme
Selected artists Sean Lynch: The Weight of the World 14 May-2 July 2016. Mathew Sawyer: White Male, 36 Years Old, Average Height, No Pets, Out of Shape and Anxious, 17 May–12 July 2014. Scott King: De-Regeneration, 4 October–22 November 2014. 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) Topophobia Review: Frieze 17/06/2012 Blast Theory (2011). Bless Practice.Blast Theory Review: Interface, December 2011Blast Theory Review: Country calling, December 2011 Salvatore Arancio (2011). An Arrangement of the Materials Ejected.Salvatore Arancio Review: The Guardian, November 2011 Paul Rooney (artist) – Bellevue (2009) Paul Rooney Review: Culture24, 19/10/2010Paul Rooney Review: Art rabbit, October 2010 Random Acts of Art (2010).Random Acts of Art Review: BBC Devon, 15/4/2010 Theo Jansen (2010). Ventosa Siamesis.Theo Jansen Review: Culture24, May 2010Theo Jansen Review: BBC Devon, 24/6/2010 Emily Wardill (2009). Game Keepers Without Game.Emily Wardill Review: Frieze, January 2010Emily Wardill Review: Interface, January 2010Emily Wardill Review: ArtsCulture, December 2009 Simon Pope (2009). Carved From Memory.Simon Pope Review: BBC Devon, May 2009 Laura Kikauka (2009). Celebration of Failure.Laura Kikauka Preview: The Guardian, 7/3/2009 Andre Stitt (2008). Substance Andre Stitt Review: The Guardian, 23/10/2008 Christiane Baumgartner (2008). Solaris Christiane Baumgartner Preview: The Guardian, December 2008 Geoffrey Farmer – The Last 2 Million Years (2008) Geoffrey Farmer Review: Frieze, January 2008 Dawn Mellor (2006). Vile Affections.Dawn Mellor Review: Artcornwall, March 2006 Mika Taanila (2005). Hotel Futuro Mika Taanila Review: Art daily, June 2005 Phyllida Barlow (2005). Scape.Phyllida Barlow Review: Art daily, May 2005
References
External links Culture24 entry Bing attractions entry List of exhibitions, projects and events at Spacex since 2002