CLUSTER began as a social group to allow a diverse group of female artists a chance to connect and support one another. Many members had previous experience in artist-run spaces where the focus was mainly on administration and economics rather than artistic exchange. CLUSTER emerged from a shared interest in discussing art and artmaking, developing ideas, collaborating on work, and engaging in critique and feedback.
Operating from the belief that a collective is defined by its people rather than a fixed location, CLUSTER prioritises community over gallery operations, exhibiting in alternative spaces and through exchange-based projects. The works presented are collectively produced images, created through a process in which each member contributes to a piece before passing it on to another artist.
CLUSTER members are Carolyn Authenrieth, Marilyn Charlat Dix, Dawn Endean, Rosalie Frankel, Stephanie Hargrave, Ellen Hochberg, Eliaichi Kimaro and June Sekiguchi.