Contemporary arts organisation West Space has been awarded a $30,000 Room to Create grant, which they will use to help foster emerging and underrepresented artists in Yarra.

West Space is moving into the Collingwood Arts Precinct in early 2020, and this grant contributes to their relocation and fit out. Since 1993, the organisation has been supporting artists and helping them develop and exhibit new work at pivotal moments in their careers.

“Collingwood, and the City of Yarra, is recognised as an important site for cultural production in Melbourne and Australia more broadly,” said West Space Director Amelia Wallin.

The $30,000 grant is the largest ever awarded from Yarra’s Room to Create Charitable Fund, which supports artists and creative organisations in Yarra by helping with operational costs.

“Thanks to this generous grant, and with the support of our community, we will build our new premises to be fully accessible and adaptable to the changing needs of artists and art forms,” Ms Wallin said.

Having West Space join the creative community at the Collingwood Arts Precinct is a big win for Yarra, said Yarra Mayor, Councillor Danae Bosler.

“We’re delighted to be able to provide this kind of support to an organisation that does so much to support local artists,” she said.

“We expect West Space’s gallery will be a popular destination for art lovers and artists alike, from Yarra and further afield. We look forward to a long and vibrant friendship with this exciting organisation.”

The Yarra City Council Room to Create Charitable Fund is a charitable fund account managed by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. 

Anyone can donate to the Room to Create Charitable Fund, which aims to keep the arts in Yarra by directly supporting eligible artists and arts organisations and fostering more affordable and sustainable creative spaces. Find out more about the Room to Create Fund.