The CHELSEA space is five years old this month;  a unique and experimental space,  it provides a radical departure from the traditional white cube gallery experience, instead exploring turning a gallery  from a repository for the objects of critical practices into a critical art practice in itself. Over the past five years it has presented a dynamic and unparalleled programme from its location on site at Chelsea College of Art and Design, next door to Tate Britain.

Donald Smith has been crucially involved in the establishment and direction of the space since its inception.  Here he answers our top ten questions.

What are you working on at the moment?
We are celebrating the 5th anniversary of CHELSEA space,  with an exhibition called ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go?’. There is a very full programme of events and the show changes every week with a private view every Thursday.

Who or what first inspired you to follow your chosen career?
I always loved drawing, I had a brilliant art teacher at school (Godfrey Samuel), then I saw The ‘Incredulity of St Thomas’ by Caravaggio in a book.

What are your top tips for discovering new talent?
It discovers you.

What are you most passionate about?
The sea.

Who is your one to watch?
I invited RUN (Elena Crippa, Hana Noorali, and Lynton Talbot) to curate our fifth anniversary, they are brilliant. Also, the artist Susan Forsyth.

Which piece of art/design/performance/communication/fashion do you wish you had created?
Alvaro Siza’s Pavilion of Portugal, Lisbon (completed 1998)

Where is your favourite London haunt?
Chelsea Arts Club

What is your guilty pleasure?
Not Guilty

Name you favourite book, song and film

Book: Life & Times of Michael K  by J.M.Coetzee.

Song: Rock & Roll by the Velvet Underground.

Film: Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders.

What is your signature dish?
Lamb Tagine