Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) is South Australia’s leading independent contemporary visual arts organisation, located in Adelaide’s iconic Lion Arts Centre precinct. Established through the merger of Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia (CACSA) and the Australian Experimental Art Foundation (AEAF) in 2017, ACE proudly supports artists to develop and present work on Kaurna Yarta (Kaurna Country). With a focus on expanding the edges of contemporary visual art practice, ACE offers exhibitions, studios, public programs, education, professional development opportunities, and publications, embracing diversity and providing a space for artists to take risks.
ACE’s programming philosophy revolves around exploring timely issues and amplifying diverse voices in contemporary art. The organisation presents a yearly program of free exhibitions, commissions new work from local, national, and international artists, and collaborates with external curators to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Additionally, ACE offers a robust public program featuring talks, performances, film screenings, and workshops to engage audiences with contemporary art practice and ideas. The Studio Program at ACE provides fully-supported, rent-free studios for South Australian artists, offering professional development opportunities and national recognition.
Committed to accessibility and inclusivity, ACE believes in providing a welcoming environment for all audiences to engage with contemporary art. As a vital player in the South Australian arts sector, ACE champions best practices, supports local artists, and connects them with national and international peers. With a vision to understand, expand, and transform the world through contemporary art, ACE aims to be South Australia’s leading contemporary art space, renowned for supporting artists, promoting artistic excellence, and enriching audience experiences.