There is a persistent narrative that would characterise the contemporary art scene in Western Australia (WA) as parochial and isolated, a narrative that is supported by the slew of closures that have occurred in recent years [i]. This narrative is significantly challenged, however, by the host of artist-run spaces such as Success gallery—alongside the gallery’s sister space Moana, and the ARIs: Free Range, Paper Mountain, Adult Contemporary and Pet Projects [ii]—developing exciting exhibitions, and embracing media like video, media that can easily traverse geographical borders, to further open up Perth to a broad range of contemporary international artists. Such a challenge raises the question of whether Perth is becoming more cosmopolitan, or whether it is fated to languish behind other cities when it comes to culture and the arts. read more…