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
Exhibitions and Events
BLAST THEORY : BLESS PRACTICE
10 Dec - 18 Feb 2012
Blast Theory is internationally renowned as one of the most adventurous artist groups using interactive media. This survey exhibition, marking their 20 year anniversary, delves into their archives to reveal details of works never before presented in a gallery environment. The exhibition features video footage, photo documentation and design from early performance pieces through to current work, often focusing on aspects of identity, trust and espionage with strong political undertones and social commentary.
Five key pieces form the focus of the exhibition, the earliest of which is Stampede (1994). Presented through photo stills, footage of the performance and cue cards, Stampede is a promenade piece exploring crowds and rioting. The work posed pertinent questions; At what point are you prepared to declare yourself publicly? What would make you take to the streets? Originally performed in theatres and nightclubs, Stampede includes excerpts from a secret police manual about riot control and features interviews with the six performers about loss of control. The performance itself - lasting 60 minutes - is fast and furious: a constant barrage of leaps, skids and falls interwoven with moments of quiet isolation and exhaustion.
The exhibition at Spacex coincides with Ghostwriter, a new work from Blast Theory commissioned by Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) to mark its reopening in December 2011.
For more info about this exhibition click here
RELATED EVENTS
Gallery Talk
2 February 2012, 6.00pm
Free, all welcome
Join Gabriella Giannachi, Director of the Centre for Intermedia at the University of Exeter and co-author of Performing Presence: Between the Live and the Simulated (2011) and Performing Mixed Reality (2011) for a talk about the work of Blast Theory.
Review Group
8 February 2012, 6.30pm
Free, all welcome
Engage in discussion and writing about contemporary art and share responses to the Blast Theory exhibition.
See reviewgroup.spacex.org.uk
FAMILIES
Secret Sweetheart
11 February 2012, 2.00pm 2–4pm,
all ages, drop in, free
Join us in the gallery to create a very unusual Valentines card to send to someone special.
Talking to Blue
Thursday 16 & Friday 17 February, 11am–3pm,
all ages, drop in, free
Take part in creative challenges including animation and visit a secret location! Wrap up warm and expect to spend around an hour and a half taking part. Devised by Blind Ditch in response to the work of Blast Theory, part of Animated Exeter.
