Curators are invited to submit proposals for a group exhibition at the Lea Bridge Gallery, a space adjoining the Grade II–listed Lea Bridge Library in East London. The primary focus of the gallery is painting.

We invite proposals for a group exhibition with a minimum of 10 confirmed artists. The exhibition must be curated around a strong, cohesive theme that clearly communicates the connection between the works on display.

The primary focus of the gallery is painting. But open to all types of art. The hanging space works best with 2D artwork. All proposals are subject to review and acceptance by the gallery team.

About the Gallery

Typical number of visitors to the gallery per month - Opening night 50-100.

General visitors to the space and cafe estimated 1500, also  many visitors from the library

Visitor profile and demographic - artists, art enthusiasts, local community,  library and cafe visitors

Past exhibitions -  2026

• Patterns in Chaos, curated by Stephen Keane and Alex Fox
• Lustre, curated by Kofi Boamah
• Ex Voto Gallery, Sky, curated by Alan Ashworth-Muñoz and Julia Pomeroy
• The Substance of Colour, curated by Gill Flett and Yvonne Coughlan
• We seek, we listen, we form, Sara Carneholm and Johanna Hallsten
• INSIDE OUT by Ex Voto Gallery, curated by Lillie Ayres and Melina Merlín
• Object Subject, curated by Josie Jenkins

Promotion and connections

The gallery promotes the shows on Instagram (more than 1600 followers), and is well connected to the East London art scene. Continuing the work of the previous gallery in the space, Terrace Gallery, directed by Karl Bielik. 

The gallery offers a great opportunity to connect with curators and artists in the area.

Details & Terms:

Proposal:

200-400 words, title, theme text and URLs or images of artwork for confirmed artists.

Exhibition duration:

Typically 4 weeks.

Hanging system:

Use of the existing system only – no drilling, but you can also use Velcro strips for light artworks.

Artwork size: 

Max height 60cm.

Cost: 

£50 admin fee per show

Commission on sales:

30% to the gallery

Risk:

The gallery and library accept no responsibility for loss or damage to the artwork.

Gallery Director

Stephen Keane is a London-based gallery director, curator and contemporary art professional. He lives and works in London and is based at studios on Argall Way in Leyton, East London.

Stephen is the Gallery Director of Lea Bridge Gallery, where he leads the gallery’s artistic programme and curates exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists.

Alongside his work at Lea Bridge Gallery, he develops and curates independent projects across other contemporary art spaces.

With a strong connection to the East London arts community, Stephen has worked with a wide range of leading and emerging UK artists and has presented numerous exhibitions and projects.

His curatorial practice is focused on creating opportunities for artists, developing engaging exhibition programmes and supporting contemporary art within both established and independent spaces.

Through his work as a gallery director and curator, Stephen continues to contribute to the development of contemporary visual art and the vibrant cultural landscape of East London.