ONCA Gallery has become available in to hire in August! We’re looking for gallery hire proposals from solo artists or groups, for an exhibition in line with our programming focus – exploring the links between environmental and social justice issues.

We’re particularly keen to showcase local emerging artists, especially those who experience barriers within the arts such as those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, working class, disabled, neurodiverse, and have caring responsibilities. We are offering a reduced hire rate of £1000 for this 3 week period, due to the last minute nature of this opportunity and lack of lead-in time. 

We will assess proposals against our programming focus, ethical and environmental policy and diversity and inclusion policy. Please send your proposal via email as a separate attachment to and include the following:

1. Exhibition proposal (max 500 words) including:

• Images of (or links to) all artworks
• Any AV equipment and display requirements
• Details of how audiences will interact/engage with the exhibition

2. Artist statement and links to website/social media accounts etc (max 300 words per artist)

3. Statement outlining how your proposal relates to ONCA’s programming focus and policies (see links above) 

4. Details of any access/care needs you’d like us to be aware of.

If you would like to discuss your proposal or access/care needs in advance of submission, please email or call 01273 607101 ( – please note this number is only checked periodically but we’ll aim to respond within 72 hours).

DETAILS

Deadline for proposals: Midnight, Tuesday 5 July

Applicants notified: by 6pm, Friday 8 July

Install: Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 August

Launch event: Thursday 11 August, 4 – 7pm

Exhibition open: Thursday 11 August – Saturday 27 August (Wed – Fri, 1 – 6pm, Sat 1 – 4pm, closed Sunday – Tuesday)

Take down: Monday 29 August

Hire fee: £1000 + Refundable damage deposit: £250

Included in hire fee:

Staffing

• Support from ONCA Exhibitions Curator & Gallery Manager and volunteers during install, launch event & take down
• Launch event*
• Invigilation during exhibition opening hours 
• Handling of artwork sales

*Event details/capacity etc. to be confirmed closer to event date and subject to Covid safety measures

Curation

• Curatorial support from ONCA Exhibitions Curator & Gallery Manager in the lead up to and during exhibition install

Marketing / Audience Engagement

• Feature in ONCA’s newsletter 
• Promotion via ONCA’s social media (Instagram, Facebook & Twitter) in lead up to and during exhibition
• Printed poster displayed outside gallery
• Support with making the exhibition accessible to a range of audiences

Equipment

• Use of plinths & hanging system
• Use of AV equipment

Additional

• Window vinyl (exhibition dates, title & artist name)
• Printed wall text about exhibition in written English and accompanying BSL video version
• Artwork wall labels
• Visitor handout & price list (if applicable)

Please note ONCA takes 35% commission on original artwork sales and 25% on prints/merchandise.