APPLYING FOR AN EXHIBITION

Metcalfe Gallery, located within the Brisbane Institute of Art building in Windsor, is a contemporary exhibition space that aims to present a dynamic program of exhibitions across its three gallery spaces. Central to the exhibition program is the presentation of a visual culture which honours risk, experimentation and creativity, and stimulates dialogue and debate, especially amongst the BIA audience.

Artistic Aims of Metcalfe Gallery

1. To develop and extend critical debate about contemporary visual art and culture.
2. To create opportunities for emerging artists, writers and curators challenging the boundaries of contemporary visual practice.
3. To encourage and support ambitious projects by less established artists.
4. To promote the exchange of exhibitions, ideas and practices between artists, writers, curators and a diverse audience.
5. To introduce BIA students to artwork which extends their understanding of what contemporary art can be.

How to Apply

Exhibition proposals are to be emailed to enquiries@brisart.org.

Eligibility

Contemporary artists working professionally in any visual arts medium are eligible to apply for exhibitions in Metcalfe Gallery art spaces. Students and artists engaged in full-time study may also apply for exhibitions.

Program Structure

Metcalfe Gallery accepts applications from individual artists, collaborations between two or more artists and artist groups, with or without a curator.

Artists/curators can make applications which are developmental in nature and involve a future body of work, or the exploration of a particular idea. Written material must be clear and concise. If approved, the basic character of the idea must remain throughout development.

Artists/curators can also apply to exhibit a completed body of work. In this case, the work viewed by the committee must be the work proposed for exhibition.

TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

Please ensure that you understand the gallery rental conditions (see below). When applying for an exhibition at Metcalfe Gallery, include:

1. The preferred exhibition date (see 2026 and 2027 Gallery Booking tabs). Dates cannot be held without a formal proposal.
2. Digital files of relevant visual material in the highest possible quality (details and installation views).
3. Indicate whether the work viewed is the work proposed for exhibition. Preferred materials: up to 12 digital images, a website or other material. Group exhibitions: max 6 images or 5 minutes moving image per person. All material must be clearly labelled with artist name, title and date.
4. A synopsis of the planned exhibition (max one A4 page), including:
   • Discussion of themes and theoretical background
   • Reasons for wanting to exhibit at Metcalfe Gallery
   • Relationship between ideas and artworks
   • Visual description of the exhibition
   • Number, dimensions and installation requirements
   • Participant details
5. A selected up‑to‑date CV (max one A4 page). Group shows: half‑page per artist.

Insurance

Successful applicants wishing to be fully insured against fire, flood, theft, loss or damage must organise this independently.

Checklist

Have you included the following?

• Name, address, email address and contact number
• Proposal
• CV
• Labelled supporting digital files

NB: Gallery staff cannot contact artists to seek missing material.