OPEN SPACE: Emerging Producer Program 

OPEN SPACE is a program of mentoring and professional development which has been running since 1999. During this time, it has offered regional and metropolitan emerging arts-workers and producers opportunities to work in close contact with the SPACED team and experienced artists from all over the world. 

Partnering with UWA School of Design in 2024, we have expanded OPEN SPACE to include training and professional development, with workshops targeted to enhance the skills and capabilities of our producers, delivered by UWA academic staff. 

The program increases experience and expertise by giving emerging producers the opportunity to learn in these areas: 

• Hands-on learning with a SPACED artist, while assisting them as a producer 

• Mentorship from SPACED Programs Manager 

• Career and skills development 

• Expansion of their professional networks, including artists and fellow regional producers 

• Hands-on, project-based activities with an emphasis on new media technologies  

OPEN SPACE also benefits our host partners in our residency programs, strengthening the professional capacity within the local community, developing organisational networks, and deepening relationships with producers in the community. 

OPEN SPACE is also increasing capacity in the sector, identifying and developing talent and expertise in Western Australia in art, community, and cultural development. Focusing on the strengths of SPACED and our regional network, this program ensures important knowledge and working practices about socially responsive art making, is passed on to new generations of regional and metropolitan arts-workers. 

Image: artist Linda Persson and Emerging Producer Dennis Simmons Leonora, 2017. Watch the ABC interview with them.

Learn about some of the creative practitioners who have been part of our Professional Development program: