Submitting a proposal

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We welcome exhibition proposals from artists, curators and members of the public, although our programme is always booked well in advance. Here's how to approach submitting a proposal.

Manchester Art Gallery generally has around 10 –12 exhibitions per year and is fully programmed two years in advance.  The majority of exhibitions arise from direct invitations to artists or curators, or as a result of partnerships with other institutions or the local community.

The programme is very diverse including historical exhibitions, contemporary art, work by Manchester-based artists and makers, decorative arts and craft, costume and photography.  We also programme exhibitions that come out of educational partnerships and outreach projects. We do receive a large number of submissions and we always have more ideas than we could ever accommodate but every now and then we receive something that fires our imagination.

If you wish to submit a proposal it will be reviewed by the exhibitions team and curatorial and educational colleagues, who will take into account what the work or proposal might contribute towards our visitor targets:

  • Growing and widening our general audience
  • Attracting Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) visitors
  • Encouraging school visits
  • Encouraging family visits
  • Encouraging visitors from low income groups

Submissions should include:

  • A letter of introduction, stating clearly your reason for contacting us
  • An up-to-date CV if you are an artist or maker or if you are representing one
  • A short statement about the work or proposed exhibition project
  • A list of works with title, dimensions, duration (if film or video), media, date
  • Clearly labelled examples of your work in the form of good printed or digital images or a CD/DVD in a widely used format.

Please send submissions to:

The Exhibitions Section
Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3JL

or submit by email to magexhibits@manchester.gov.uk

PLEASE ENCLOSE AN S.A.E. IF YOU WISH US TO RETURN YOUR PROPOSAL