History of Axis

When AXIS: Visual Arts Exchange and Information Service first registered as a charity its mission was 'to promote the visual artists and extend their influence in and relevance to the community'.

In the beginning an Artists Register was created which documented and promoted UK artists. During 1993 a prototype of the register was demonstrated extensively to artists and arts organisations around the UK.

The first 'Axis' logo

In 1995 Axis launched a series of 'Axis points' in galleries in Leeds, Newcastle, Inverness and Glasgow, a PC providing physical access to the Axis national artists register. Later, 'Axis points' were introduced in London, Brighton and Carlisle.

The artist database became more accessible when it went online in 1999 and a CDROM was produced with extra ways to search the database.

A redesigned 'Axis' logo

Axis developed another strand in 2003 when curatorial programmes such as Open Frequency went online and further services and programmes, for example MAstars, Dialogue, Public Realm and Café Artistique have continued to be developed right up until 2007 when Axis introduced a curator directory to the site.

Today's Axis is very different to Axis's beginnings with advanced technologies and enhanced curatorial emphasis. Axis continues to grow and develop as a community to give you the best quality contemporary art online.

the Axis logo today