Opportunity details | Artist Opportunity: Beyond the Limit

Artist Opportunity: Beyond the Limit

Deadline: 27/03/2026

City: Beverley | Region: East Yorkshire | Country: United Kingdom | Beverley Art Gallery

Paid opportunity

Beverley Art Gallery is inviting applications from artists for a new exhibition exploring the theme "Beyond the Limit."

The exhibition will run from 16th January - 13th March 2027 in the gallery’s Winter exhibition slot. A £1,500 commission fee will be awarded to the selected artist(s) for the creation of one new work within their proposed exhibition portfolio. This commission is funded by Arts Council England through the Humber Museums Partnership.

About Beverley Art Gallery

Beverley Art Gallery is a purpose-built Edwardian gallery, offering free entry since 1910 and collecting artworks for Beverley and the East Riding as early as 1906. The Gallery is home to the Champney Bequest, featuring works by prominent Victorian and Edwardian artists and a large collection of works by local artists Fred Elwell (RA) and Mary Dawson Elwell (SWA), known for their depictions of Beverley and the surrounding area.

In 1966, Beverley Art Gallery acquired its first ever abstract artwork, Grey Landscape, a painting by local artist Margaret Parker. This controversial acquisition, a significant departure from the gallery's more traditional collection, sparked an energetic town council debate:

with one councillor declaring, “I will try to ensure we do not do this again… when it comes to adding to our permanent collection, that is going beyond the limit.

to which another councillor retorted, “… [he] has got beyond the pony and cart stage and now likes to ride in a car but his taste in art has not kept pace.”

This exchange reflects a critical moment in the shift from traditional realism to abstraction seen in mid-20th century British art, and it marks a turning point in the gallery’s collecting. The era saw a dramatic departure from established conventions, with local artists embracing bolder forms, experimental techniques, and vivid colours. Beverley Art Gallery continues to honour the legacy of those who challenged artistic boundaries in this period of change.

Exhibition Theme: Beyond the Limit

We are now inviting contemporary artists to explore the theme "Beyond the Limit" through their own work. How does the concept of pushing boundaries manifest in your practice today? What does it mean for you to challenge artistic limits, whether in terms of technique, medium, concept, or social context? We encourage bold, fresh, and thought-provoking works that will engage visitors in new and unexpected ways.

We welcome applications from both solo artists and groups working in any medium. The theme can be explored in relation to Beverley Art Gallery's history and collection, or it can be interpreted more broadly as a starting point for creative exploration. We encourage artists to consider how limits—whether historical, technological, or cultural—inform their work and its potential to engage a contemporary audience.

Key Details

• Commission Fee: £1,500
• Exhibition Dates: 16th January – 13th March 2027
• Venue: Beverley Art Gallery
• Funding: Commission fee funded by Arts Council England through the Humber Museums Partnership
• Potential Acquisition: There is also the possibility the new work featured in the exhibition may be considered for acquisition into the gallery’s permanent collection.

What We Offer

• Technical & Installation Support: Assistance from the Curator and Gallery attendants to plan, install and display your work. The artist can either collaborate with the gallery team on curatorial decisions or allow the team to take full responsibility for final display, depending on preference.
• Promotion: The gallery will organise a press preview, listings on its website, and social media marketing to promote the exhibition and participating artists.
• Sales: If the exhibition is also a selling exhibition, the gallery will handle sales and takes a 40% commission on each sale. Artists can choose whether to make their work available for sale.

What We Require

• Complete Body of Work: A proposed cohesive body of work suitable for the temporary exhibition space. A floor plan can be provided upon request.
• New Work: One new work created specifically for the exhibition in response to the theme.
• Exhibition Talk or Tour: Artists must be prepared to give an exhibition talk or tour to the Friends of Beverley Art Gallery and the public.

Proposed Timetable

• Expression of Interest: Due by 27th March 2026
• Artist Shortlist Presented to Panel: By 10th April 2026
• Final Artist Selection: 24th April 2026
• Installation Dates: W/C 11th January 2027
• Exhibition Dates: 16th January – 13th March 2027

Make a submission Contact the curator

Does the exhibition need to include all new work?

No, but the exhibition should include one new work created with the £1,500 commission fee. However, you may include existing work if it aligns with the theme of "Beyond the Limit."

What if I’ve exhibited at Beverley Art Gallery before?

What if I’ve exhibited at Beverley Art Gallery before? We aim to provide opportunities to a wide and diverse range of artists. Consequently, if you have previously held a solo exhibition at the gallery or participated in a group show with the same artists, we will not consider your application for this exhibition. (Please note: this does not apply to inclusion in Open Art exhibitions.)

Do I have to be based in Beverley to apply?

No, artists from anywhere in the UK are welcome to apply.

Can I change the exhibition dates?

The exhibition dates are fixed: 16th January – 13th March 2027, and cannot be changed. Artists must be available to deliver their work on or before 11th January 2027.

What if the exhibition brief doesn't speak to my work?

Don’t worry! There will be more opportunities for exhibitions and commissions in the future. Please keep an eye on the Gallery’s social media profiles and the East Riding Museums newsletter for new briefs and updates.

Can I apply with legacy work by an artist who is no longer living?

Yes, you may apply with a body of work by a deceased artist, but it must be paired with a new commission by a living artist that responds to or engages with the legacy work. The applicant must arrange and demonstrate how the new work will interpret the theme alongside the legacy work.

If I apply as a duo or group, do we each receive £1,500?

No, the £1,500 commission fee is for the collective body of work, and must be divided between the artists involved in the application. If you are applying as a group, please make sure to detail how the commission will be split and how the work will be created collaboratively.

How will the commission fee be paid?

The commission fee will be paid in two stages, £1000 upon selection of the artist(s) and £500 upon delivery of the final work.

Will the Gallery consider other forms of art, like video or sound installations?

Yes, we encourage artists to experiment with any medium, including video, sound, performance, digital media, and sculpture. We are open to innovative and boundary-pushing works that engage with the theme of "Beyond the Limit."

What is the selection process for the potential acquisition of work?

The artist will be notified if the Gallery would like to pursue an acquisition. Acquisition decisions are made by the East Riding Museums collections panel and are dependent upon a number of factors including collection strategy and practical considerations such as storage.

Can I sell my work during the exhibition?

Yes, the exhibition can be a selling exhibition. If you choose to sell your work, the gallery will handle the sales process and take a 40% commission on each sale. The artist will retain the remaining 60%. All sales inquiries will be directed to the gallery staff. Please include in your application if you would like to sell your work.

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