Exhibition proposals

The PACC Art Gallery places a high value on socially engaged, research-based exhibitions, workshops, and programs. We extend a warm welcome to a wide spectrum of creative voices including established artists, emerging talents, curators, designers, arts educators, collectives, and community and cultural groups. We invite proposals for exhibitions, workshops, and public programs to be featured in the Gallery and the Makers Space. We encourage submissions from First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Deaf, Disabled and LGBTQIA+ practitioners.

To be considered:

You must be over the age of 16 and be responsible for the conditions as outlined in the Agreement Terms below

Agreement Terms

The Expression of Interest process occurs on an annual basis. Once an exhibition proposal has been selected for exhibition, it is important to note that it cannot be altered or changed. Therefore, applicants should carefully review and finalise their proposals before submission. The submission deadline is midnight on the designated closing date.

Before submitting an exhibition proposal to the PACC Gallery, please consider that the PACC exhibition program operates within a two-year lead time. The decision about which exhibitions to host are made by the Exhibition Committee. This committee considers a range of factors when selecting exhibitions and takes into account the existing and future exhibition plans, the capacity for education and public programming, level of artistic excellence. Before you submit your proposal, ensure that it aligns with these considerations for the best chance of acceptance.

The PACC Gallery provides emerging and established artists with the opportunity to exhibit in a professionally run public gallery space alongside exhibitions by significant regional and national artists, to extend their artistic practice, and to enhance audience engagement. Artists might apply a few times before getting into a PACC exhibition, so please don’t be discouraged if you don’t get accepted the first time you apply.

Other ways to get involved is by attending exhibition openings and public programs, or by becoming a PACC Gallery volunteer.

Expression of Interest applications must include

• A one to two paragraph biography for each artist involved, outlining the history of the work, publications and any relevant education qualifications
• Up to five images per exhibition, labelled with the artist’s name and the title of the work
• Online links to any video artworks and links to any oversized files
• Preferred months for the exhibition period. Exhibitions are one to two months in duration, and are dependent on Gallery programming
• A sound curatorial proposal providing a clear description of the exhibition concept in addition to the installation details of the work, and the proposed outcomes of the exhibition
• Artists will be encouraged to conduct public programs as part of their application. For example, gallery talks, lectures, workshops, film screenings, book discussions or other related activities. Artists are encouraged to be present during their exhibition period to engage with visitors and to discuss their work.

PACC will provide the following for exhibitions and public programs

• Online promotion on the PACC website, Cessnock City Council and PACC e-newsletters, and any other relevant marketing publications and social media channels
• In-house design of printed exhibition catalogue, posters and invitations
• Exhibition opening function, including food and beverage
• Installation technician
• Curation and/or curatorial advice
• Staffing Tuesday – Sunday

Please note: Promotional and marketing assistance will only occur if the artist delivers content within the specified timeframes.

Insurance

Specifications