Watch This Space (WTS) is an artist-led organisation established in 1993, manifesting publicly as a vital collective resource in Mparntwe. It is a site for experimentation, artistic expression, critical conversation and making, showing & participating in art.

WTS posits that art’s definition has broad and soft boundaries, and that everyone is invited. It is an artist-run initiative, where artists like their galleries to also be karaoke halls, dance floors, cinemas, zine fairs, basketball courts, libraries and language classes; the artists are often interested in connecting art to politics, play, or experimentation.

It is lucky to exist in the middle of a small town on Central Arrernte country, rich in artists. This small town lies in the middle of the Central Desert region, richer still. This area is in the middle of the continent, affording WTS a unique proximity to here and elsewhere. WTS aims to present alternatives to institutionalisation, tokenization, and over-professionalisation of artists and the arts. It has been alive for 30 years, since then moving through many seasons and sites. It is currently based at 8 Gap Road, where it hosts a program of projects, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions and residencies. It has 7 studio artists plus one Travelling Artist in Residence at any given time. Many people make up its moving parts: currently two co-directors, eight studio artists, a First Nations advisory board, curatorial committee, board of directors, the gardener, the volunteer crew – would you like to join?

VALUES

Banner image: The 2017 Lofty Awards Night. Photo credit: Emma Collard