Exhibition applications are now open for the 2026 / 27 Hire Period.
As a Council-owned venue available for hire, the Ipswich Community Gallery (ICG) is an accessible and welcoming space open to supporting a variety of arts-based initiatives. Applications for ICG in 2026 / 27 are now open.
ICG's mission is to provide opportunities for professional growth and engage our local community with innovative and diverse projects.
KEY DATES:
- Exhibition slots are between February 2026 and February 2027.
- Monday 15 September – Applications Open
- Monday 20 October COB – Applications Close
- Friday 31 October – Successful applicants notified
- February 2026 exhibitions commence
Join Community and Public Programs Officer, Kathleen O'Hagan, for a ICG information session on Saturday 11 October 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM, "ARTiculate: Applying for the Ipswich Community Gallery."
Exhibition view of Growing Pains by Emma Jeffery, 2025. Ipswich Community Gallery. Images by Louis Lim.
Entwine, 2023. Image by Thomas Oliver.
Who Should Apply?
The Ipswich Community Gallery welcomes applications from community, emerging and established artists. The Gallery serves as a dynamic space for artists to experiment, explore and expand their artistic practice.
Proposals are accepted for solo, group, or collective exhibitions. Featured work can be of any medium, including installation, photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, sound, and digital media.
Applicants are not required to be local to the Ipswich region. However, preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate a connection with Ipswich or detail how their project is relevant to the Ipswich Community.
Strong Roots Rising, 2024. Image by Jim Filmer.
What's Included
Each successful applicant to the Ipswich Community Gallery receives a two-week hire period. Hirers are provided the following professional assistance:
- Formatted marketing templates, and promotion across the Ipswich Community Gallery + Ipswich Art Workshop social media pages (on Instagram and Facebook).
- Advice regarding installation, artwork placement and exhibition layout.
- Professional lighting placement by gallery staff to best showcase your exhibition.
- Access to the gallery furniture, tool trolley, plinths, projector, kitchenette and catering supplies.
- Opportunity to apply for RADF Time and Space grant funding (up to $2000) to support exhibition expenses.
- Hire fees waived as part of generous funding from the Ipswich Arts Foundation for applicants in 2026 / 27.
Ipswich Community Gallery artists are encouraged to apply to run art workshops and events in the Ipswich Art Workshop alongside their exhibition period.
Growing Pains by Emma Jeffery. Image by Louis Lim.
What's Expected
The Ipswich Community Gallery offers an open canvas for artists to share their work with the broader local community. Successful applicants agree to:
- Install and demount their exhibition at the commencement and conclusion of their hire period.
- Supervise the gallery space during the Ipswich Community Gallery opening hours (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) for the duration of their hire period.
- Handle the sale and collection of their artwork, including delivery of items to the buyer. (Ipswich Community Gallery takes no commission on artwork sales.)
- Follow the Installation and Display Guidelines for the Ipswich Community Gallery.
- Obtain Public Liability Insurance for the duration of their hire period.
EOI Guide
Your application should include:
- A selection of your preferred exhibition dates
- Exhibition Rationale (up to 500 words)
- Overview of your current stage of exhibition development (e.g. artwork is yet to be created, in progress, fully completed or site responsive)
- Group / Collective Statement or Artist Statement/s (maximum of 3) (up to 150 words each)
- Specific Installation Requirements or Equipment (optional)
- Detail any engagement with vulnerable communities, sensitive topics or cultural protocols. If relevant, detail actions taken to minimise harm.
- Detail public programming (e.g. artist talks, opening events, workshops).
- Potential allocation of RADF Time and Space grant funding (up to $2000 towards exhibition expenses).
- Artist CV/s
- Up to 10 clearly labeled images (either of indicative works or works to be displayed)
- Up to 3 additional documents (optional) (e.g. exhibition layout, installation mock-up or model, supporting material)
Assessment Criteria
- Quality - Clear and cohesive exhibition rationale. Examples of work demonstrate a high standard of artistic and curatorial practice.
- Innovation - Exhibition outcomes support creative development, experimentation, and/or refinement.
- Relevance - Meaningfully engages with relevant audiences and communities.
- Feasibility - Exhibition outcomes are specific, considered, clearly articulated and deliverable. Aligns with public gallery safety standards.
- Diversity - Promotes diverse voices, practices, communities and/or ideas. Preference will be given to applicants who have not exhibited within the previous twelve-month period.
