OPEN: FRI-SUN 10AM-2PM
WAYOUT Artspace is an unincorporated Artist-Run Initiative (ARI) in Kandos, regional NSW. We are a group of experienced practising artists composed of a core operational committee, extended by affiliates with specific skills. We run primarily on a volunteer basis and powered by our passion for the arts, special projects and community-based events and activities.
WAYOUT is a Cementa initiative and the Artspace is located in the old Kandos community hall, which is owned by Cementa Inc. Cementa is a unique, socially-engaged, artist-led, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cultivating contemporary art in a regional context by fostering regional artists & community through activities that culminate in an innovative bi-annual arts festival.
In 2025, WAYOUT will celebrate five years of operation- a remarkable achievement given the unique challenges we face in our regional location. WAYOUT’s mission is to activate artistic resources that permit experimental and established arts practices and culture in a regional context. We are open all year with seven (7) exhibition slots each 6-8 weeks in duration and we are closed for one week between exhibitions for installation.
Since opening in 2020, we have become a vital regional centre for professional artists, exhibiting diverse artistic outcomes & fostering cultural exchange between urban, regional, First Nations, interstate artists. Our shows are selected from a robust open call-out and applications are evaluated through a robust and transparent assessment process; we study, discuss and rank submissions in the context of a coherent and diverse program, we allocated one exhibition slot for First Nations artist/s.
Achievements include:
- 18 solo/group exhibitions. Inc. Wayout BLP, Margaret Roberts, 2023; Waalarinji, Dr Virginia Keft, 2023;What’s that Skip? curated by Miriam Williamson, 2023.
- Hosted Groundfloor Forum, 2024; 16 arts organisations building capacity, developing networks &improving pathways for regional ARI artists.
- Live performances, activations, digital broadcasting eg. Cementa’s Spirit of ‘21.
- Provided artists with paid positions and exhibition fees in 2024.
- Hosted The Uncooperative Social Arts Workshops for regional & rural youth, 2023/24.
- Hosted robust community dialogue eg. Kaz Therese & James Hazel - What is Class?, 2023 & There isNo Lead Mine Here, 2023.
There is often confusion between the relationship between WAYOUT and Cementa - WAYOUT’s programs are separate from the Cementa festival and its residency program, but we do have a close relationship with Cementa as our auspice.
Over the life-span of WAYOUT Artspace, our project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council/Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
