about aspex art education events diary artists support aspex
aspex, Portsmouth's leading contemporary art gallery, provides opportunities for people to explore and experience contemporary visual art and supports the work and professional development of emerging artists.
Aspex Gallery was established in 1981 by artists who set up the studio group Art Space Portsmouth in a converted chapel at Brougham Road. In 1991 the gallery split from the studio group and Aspex Visual Arts Trust was formed, a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, overseen by a Board of Trustees.

From this base the gallery continued to operate for twenty-five years, until the 1 April 2006 when the gallery closed in preparation for relocation to its new site, The Vulcan Building at Gunwharf Quays. aspex opened at its new home in December 2006. The new building provides a contemporary setting for our stimulating exhibitions and a base from which we can deliver our off-site, education and arc (artists’ resource centre) programmes.

aspex at the Vulcan Building is a major destination for Portsmouth residents and visitors alike and is a significant space for contemporary visual art in the South East region.

The gallery’s core work is regularly supported by Arts Council England, South East and Portsmouth City Council. All profits made through the café, shop, hire, membership and Culture Club are reinvested to support our creative programme. Special exhibitions, education and other projects are funded by a number of public sources, trusts, foundations and sponsors.