We are seeking innovative and engaging artists to exhibit as part of our 2025 exhibition program at:

• Fitzroy Library
• Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library
• Carlton Library Light Boxes.

Application eligibility

• Artists in all stages of their career (emerging, mid-career and established) are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be living in Australia.
• Current employees of Yarra City Council are ineligible to apply.
• Artists cannot exhibit solo exhibitions in the City of Yarra Exhibition Program two years in a row.

How to Apply

Expressions of Interest will require:

• A completed application form (which includes an exhibition rationale)
• A CV
• Up to 12 high-resolution (1 MB) examples (images) of work.

Applicants can propose one space only as part of any application. Alternatively, applicants can submit multiple applications for distinct exhibitions tailored to each exhibition space.

Expressions of Interest are to be submitted through Smarty Grants.

Selection criteria

Submissions will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Innovative and engaging art forms and practice.
• Works of high quality and artistic merit presented in a professional manner.
• Clarity of theme/concept of the exhibition.
• Quality of documentation provided.
• Works that fit within the limitations of the exhibition spaces.
• For Carlton Library Light Box submissions: Responsive to the site, a photographic, or digital medium/other work that demonstrates suitability to the Duratrans medium, the illuminated aesthetic and display (light box format).

About the City of Yarra Exhibition Program

The City of Yarra Exhibition Program offers opportunities for artists at all stages of their career to showcase their work and make creative use of our venues. It also provides our locals and the wider community an opportunity to enjoy arts and culture as an everyday experience.

Fitzroy Library and Bargoonga Nganjin exhibitions are programmed for twelve weeks duration. A fee is paid to successful applicants to contribute towards the exhibition development and presentation costs.

Exhibition spaces in these two venues are in high traffic areas. Bargoonga Nganjin operates an ‘Open Library’ policy, extending library hours to registered library users for unmanned, self-service access to library facilities. Although all care and consideration are given to the safety of the works on display, artists exhibit works at their own risk. Council takes no responsibility for any theft, loss, or damage to artwork during transportation or display at all venues and recommends that all exhibitors have artwork/artist insurance for the duration of their exhibition (including installation and dismantling) and for associated events, such as exhibition openings and public programs.

The Arts and Cultural Services Unit will

• Support and advise exhibitors in the installation and dismantling of exhibitions ensuring standards of exhibition best practice are adhered to.
• Produce exhibition signage and wall text (if applicable).
• Produce a room sheet with information on the artist/s, works and price for sale (if applicable). Note: Council will not take any commission on artworks sold.
• Promote the exhibition in relevant Arts and Cultural Services promotional material and platforms where opportunities are available.
• Produce professional photographic documentation of the exhibition for reference and promotional purposes.
• Support an exhibition opening (if applicable)
• Reserve the right to make final decisions determining the exhibition, exhibition dates and installation of works.
• If applicable, provide an opportunity and support for successful applicants to facilitate a workshop/artist talk in response to their exhibition as part of our public program with Yarra Libraries.

Note: If the exhibition program must close due to unforeseen circumstances, exhibitions that are impacted may be rescheduled at staff discretion.

The exhibitor/s will:

• Make sure all works are ready to hang or display with hanging mechanisms or object mounts as appropriate, by the install date.
• Be responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the gallery including the install and deinstall of their artwork.
• Provide to the Visual Arts Officer two high and low-resolution images and an exhibition statement for promotional purposes at the acceptance of an offer.
• Provide to the Visual Arts Officer a list of works (title, materials, and dimensions) at least two weeks prior to the exhibition opening.