What Are Artist Run Initiatives?

ARIs are collectives for artists, by artists, that offer a space for experimental work outside of traditional galleries and museums.

They are community-driven spaces for artists and curators to experiment, learn, and share by providing exhibition opportunities and developing social and creative networks.

Why They Are Important

1. ARIs foster experimentation by providing a platform for artists to explore unconventional ideas with a focus on creativity and innovation over sales or market trends.

2. They support early career artists by offering opportunities to exhibit their work and gain experience.

3. ARIs build and connect local communities through exhibitions, workshops, and events that foster cultural exchange.

List of a Australian ARI’s

Victoria

• BLINDSIDE: @blindside_ari | Website

• BUS Projects: @busprojects | Website

• fortyfivedownstairs: @fortyfivedownstairs | Website

• KINGS ARI: @kingsartistrun | Website

• Off the Kerb: @a13offthekerb | Website

• Seventh Gallery: @seventhgallery | Website

• Punctum: @punctuminc | Website

• Trocadero Projects: @trocaderoprojects | Website

• Unassigned: @unassigned_gallery | Website

• West Space: @westspace | Website

• Mailbox Art Space: @mailboxartspace | Website

New South Wales

• firstdraft: @firstdraft_ | Website

• Verge Gallery: @vergegallery | Website

• Sydenham International: @sydenham_international | Website

• Slag Heap Projects: @slagheapprojects | Website

• Kudos Arc: @kudos_arc | Website

• 107 Projects: @107projectsinc | Website

• China Heights: @chinaheights | Website

• The Lock-Up: @thelockupartspace | Website

• Frontyard Projects: @frontyardorg | Website

Queensland

• Outer Space: @outerspace.brisbane | Website

• MAAP: @maap_mediaartasiapacific | Website

• Wreckers Artspace: @wreckersartspace | Website

• Umbrella: @umbrellastudiotsv | Website

• QHY Space: @qhy.space | Website

South Australia

• FELTspace: @feltspace | Website

• Floating Goose: @floatinggoosestudios | Website

• Gallery 42: @gallery_42_ | Website

• The Third Level Studio: @thirdlevelstudios | Website

• Broken Hill Art Exchange: @brokenhillartexchange | Website

• Part of Things (Regional SA): @part_of_things | Website

Tasmania

• Constance: @constance_ari | Website

• Sawtooth ARI: @sawtootharigallery | Website

• haus of vovo: @hausofvovo | Website

Western Australia

• PS Art Space: @ps.artspace | Website

• Cool Change: @coolchangecontemporary | Website

• Pig Melon: @pig.melon | Website

Northern Territory

• Watch This Space: @watchthisspace_ari | Website

Canberra

• Tributary Projects: @tributary.projects | Website

• ANCA: @anca_inc | Website