Spacex
Spacex is an exciting and innovative, Exeter based, arts organisation that aims to support the production, presentation and promotion of an ambitious and challenging programme of contemporary visual art. Spacex premieres new works as well as commissioning works from artists with international standing who have never exhibited in the UK before.
Spacex’s pioneering programme of exhibitions, projects and education activities is critically acclaimed, receiving reviews and previews in major arts press both locally and nationally. Please see below for more details of our current and forthcoming programme.
Spacex schedules an innovative education and outreach programme working with artists and communities to engage, challenge and inspire audiences of all ages.
Spacex has initiated a varied programme of participatory projects, which have proved to be a key route into the gallery for many audiences, including; young people, families, and those who might not find the arts easily accessible. We offer training for artists, teachers and arts educators alongside training for young people.
Schools Programme
We provide for a wide range of developmental and academic need, enriching participants’ experience of the arts and related subjects. This programme is delivered by experienced artist/educators who are skilled in exploring the sometimes challenging nature and themes of contemporary arts practice.
We also run regular art clubs and holiday workshops for children aged 3-15 yrs
Our after school group for 12-15yr olds Outerspace are currently working towards their Silver Arts Awards
More information about current and previous education projects and activity can be found here
Exhibitions and Events
Topophobia
12 May - 7 July
Fear of place is the focus of this exhibition. As an anxiety disorder, topophobia is an irrational dread of certain places or situations. However, considered as a cultural manifestation, the condition connects us to existential human questions of how we find our place in the world. The exhibition and accompanying publication look at the representation of place and space as both threatened and threatening.
This group show features the work of ten UK and international artists. The range of media and approaches is wide. Anne Eggebert’s detailed drawings are derived from images on Google Earth; Matthias Einhoff uses high-end corporate video techniques to make a spectacle of an urban wasteland; David Ferrando Giraut creates a state of anxiety with his filmic pan of the aftermath of a car accident; Polly Gould constructs distorted topographical watercolours reflected in the surface of silver globes; Marja Helander depicts herself out of place between her two cultures of contemporary Finland and Sami nomadic heritage; Uta Kogelsberger reveals uncanny night visions of urban and desert America in her photographs; Almut Rink appropriates the 3D software used by architects to take the viewer on an imaginary journey in a virtual space; Abigail Reynolds exposes disjointed time and place in her use of old book illustrations in collages and assemblage. Emily Speed houses her body in a fortress made from shutters; and Louise K Wilson presents Hanging Rock which is a response to the novel Picnic at Hanging Rock. The exhibition at Spacex will also include a newly commissioned work from Louise K Wilson.
Topophobia considers the technologies that shape our understanding of the world around us. It presents a timely and detailed enquiry into subjective responses to place in the 21st century.
Topophobia is a touring show curated by Eggebert-and-Gould, previous venues include Danielle Arnaud, London 14 January–19 February 2012 and Bluecoat, Liverpool 3 March–22 April 2012.
A publication including colour plates of the artists’ works with texts by Polly Gould, a short fiction by Leslie Forbes, essays by Dr Caterina Albano, Thomas D Trummer and Eggebert-and-Gould, accompanies the exhibition. The book is distributed by John Rule (www.johnrule.co.uk).
Further information can be found on the Topophobia website at www.topophobia.co.uk
RELATED EVENTS
Topophobia Opening & Tour
12 May, 3 - 5pm, free
all ages welcome, no need to book
Join us for the opening of Topophobia. Curators Anne Eggebert and Polly Gould will lead a tour of the exhibition at 4pm.
The Wood Between The Worlds
14 June 9pm - 12am, free
ages 16+, at Haldon Forest, booking essential
Artist Tony Whitehead will lead a nighttime stroll across the heaths and into the woods in search of night creatures, real and imaginary. Explore the forest, described as a portal where travel between waking and dream is possible.
Gallery Breakfast
28 June, 8 - 9am, free
all ages, no need to book
Join is for a healthy breakfast and take the opportunity to investigate Topophobia
Contact Microphone Making
30 June, 2 - 5pm, £8
ages 16+, booking essential
Topophobia artist Louise K Wilson will demonstrate some of the unusual microphones she uses to make her work. Participants will make a simple microphone and use it to listen in on and record some of the hidden and underwater spaces in the city.
Missing Scenes - An Evening at Hanging Rock
5 July, 6.15pm, £5.50/£4.50 concessions
takes place at Exeter Phoenix - booking essential via Exeter Phoenix Box Office 01392 667080
Peter Weir's Picnic at Hangin Rock, will be screened with sound and video interventions by Louise K Wilson. She will explore the film's multiple interpretations and resistance to resolution. The work has been commissioned as part of Topophobia.
Saturday Art Club Workshops
11am - 1pm, ages 6-11 (under 8's must be accompanied by an adult)
£5 per session or 3 for £12
- 19 May - My Amazing Journey
Construct a tabletop scene to represent the best (or worst) journey of your life. - 26 May - Bigger Picture
Help create a huge drawing inspired by a bird's eye view of the earth. - 16 June - New World
Re-arrange maps and add your own features to create a new world. - 23 June - Gallery Wanderers
Find out about different sorts of temporary shelter, then set up and decorate your own encampment in the gallery. - 30 June - Art in Your Pocket
Make a portable artwork inspired by traditional arts and crafts of worldwide nomadic cultures.
Free Half-Term Workshop
Eerie Landscape
6 June, 2 - 4pm, free
ages 5+, booking essential
Create an eerie landscape with moving parts to reveal what's hidden behind trees or in doorways.
Family Sunday
24 June, 2 - 4pm, free
all ages, no need to book
An afternoon of creative activities to engage, challenge and inspire. Join us as we explore the exhibition and make original artworks. Hot drinks, juice and biscuits will be available. Please note that children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Community
Nests, Dens and Corners
During May and June, children and parents from West Exe Family Centre will be working on a project in response to Topophobia.
Out of Place
The photographs below are taken from a project with Ladysmith Junior School that explored the themes in Topophobia. A similar project called Growing Space has been produced with West Exe Nursery School.
Outer Spacex
This is our after school session for 11-16 yr olds. It is currently touring local secondary schools having just completed the pilot project at St Luke's Science and Sports College, Exeter.
To find out how your school or college could become involved, contact learning@spacex.org.uk
Bronze (Arts Award) in a Week
Monday 6 August - Friday 10 August, 8.30am - 5.30pm each day
ages 11-16, £150*, booking essential with a £30 deposit*you can apply for funding to help with the cost of completing Arts Awards. To find out more or to request a schedule of activities for the week, contact learning@spacex.org.uk
This summer we have teamed up with Exeter Phoenix to offer young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to gain a Bronze Arts Award, a recognised qualification in the Arts.
We have programmed an exciting week of activities led by artists and creative professionals. The group will explore Exeter's arts venues, share interests, learn new skills and build their portfolios.
