Gallery No.32 is inviting submissions from solo artists, collectives, curators, performers, poets, et al, to exhibit in our 'Solo, Series 1', running for 3 months, from 1st April until 1st July 2021. The Spree will entail a constant display of back-to-back solo shows throughout this period, aiming to have no blank spots. Each show will be up for two weeks and will be changed over from the previous/to the next show in a constant chain of Episodes. There are no submission fees, no display fees and no hidden fees. This is a completely FREE opportunity for creative celebration, collaboration and exchange.

Gallery No.32 was born in response to the pandemic, but it also signals a wider shift away from the art world’s hierarchical structures. It was made in response to three pressing factors.

Firstly, the closure of galleries meaning there was no art to see, less art to make and less creativity to feed minds. Secondly, the lack of financially viable opportunity for emerging artists. And thirdly, the hierarchical system of exchange within the artworld.

Ultimately, No.32 is driven by a need to uphold the arts, to provide opportunity for all, and to bring back the culture of exchange. The gallery is an artist-led, outdoor art space providing a platform for emerging artists to exhibit their work, FREE OF CHARGE. 

We are located in an orchard in Bexley, SE London, alongside a busy public footpath. Gallery No.32 creates a situation, a spectacle, taking people out of their daily walk and into the derive. 

Site information

The site is approximately 55m x 35m of grass. It is a bit uneven but fairly level. The field is an orchard, meaning there are fruit trees spaced at regular ~3m intervals (these can be seen at birds-eye view via Google Maps, or through pics that can be shared upon request). Due to this, artists will have to take spacing into consideration.

The site is accessible from Manor Way and visits can be arranged by getting in touch. This route is limited to small HGVS. If there are any large-scale artworks or materials being brought, there is a separate access route that will allow for much larger and taller objects via the North Cray Road. 

The ground is fairly soft after rain so can be dug into to secure any sculpture, fast fix post-mix is available to stabilize and secure works if needed. However, during the warmer months it has a tendency to dry up a bit and could be more difficult to dig into. Other options to secure artworks could involve the trees; all trees are safe to use as part of sculptures/supports/anchors, but we cannot take liability for any theft or damage of artworks on site throughout the duration of the show.

The work of art

There are no boundaries for the concept of your submission. ‘Solo, Series 1’ has no direct theme running through its collection as the overall aim is to connect people across different walks of life, providing a free springboard. It is notable however, as a result of the breadth and outdoor nature of the space, we have the potential to display large scale works, but are open to all art forms and works.

Requirements

Firstly, we are offering artists use of the entire space of 55m x35m. This is likely to be intercepted with trees, which will have to be considered within the application. The entire space does not have to be used of course.

Secondly, Gallery No.32 cannot accept liability for any damage, loss or theft of artwork throughout its display. As the show will be permanently installed, day and night for the duration of the assigned time frame, it is crucial that all sculptures are made as weatherproof and theft-proof as possible. This should be considered in the material choice, scale, stability, colour, installation requirements and security. Feel free to contact us to discuss installation and security needs/ideas. 

Submissions will be selected for display with this in mind.

Limitations

There are currently limits regarding electricity. We will not be able to provide an electrical hook-up during ‘Solo, Series 1’. This is both due to safety, accessibility and financial cost. Alternatively, we suggest considering solar power, if this is a required feature of your submission.

Audience

The audience at the past exhibitions has been brilliant. As assumed with a pandemic-driven project, the Gallery’s day-to-day visitors arelocal. However, our strong advertisement regime encourages visitors from wider areas. Gallery No.32 has recently been featured by multiple arts organisations, including contemporary arts publication Trebuchet Magazine, and feminist group Cherry Galz. 

Budget – The 2-Way System

So far, Gallery No.32 has been a zero-expenditure project. Consequently, we have been able to retain the aim of a non-profit, non-expenditure project. Because of this, we do not charge for applications or use of the space, and in return we do not charge payment for participation. Gallery No.32 is a neutral zone.

MAKE ART FREE.

Installation and Transfer

Installation and transfer dates will be arranged on a one-to-one basis once dates have been secured and finalised. We may be able to arrange pick-up within a certain vicinity and depending on size, but we will definitely be around to assist in any way we can. Please contact us with specific requirements and circumstances.

Submissions from outside of the UK will be accepted, however please be aware that we are unable to offer financial support for this at this time. On site construction is completely fine, and we will both be available to help with this where we can, whilst ensuring we abide by any governmental regulations that may be in place.

Liability

As previously stated, we are unable to take liability for any loss, theft, or damage to artwork whilst it is installed at Gallery No.32 throughout the duration of 'Solo, Series 1'.

Deadline for Submissions

As 'Solo, Series 1' is a chain link exhibition series, submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the coming months. However, to allow for the full arrangement of the schedule, submissions will close on Friday 30th April 2021. 'Episode 1' will open on the 3rd April 2021, kickstarting the run of the series. From this point, shows will be de-installed every two weeks, with the next show aiming to be installed on the same day. 

Episode 1. 03/04/21 - 17/04/21

Episode 2. 17/04/21 - 01/05/21

Episode 3. 01/05/21 - 15/05/21

Episode 4. 15/05/21 - 29/05/21

Episode 5. 29/05/21 - 12/06/21

Episode 6. 12/06/21 - 26/06/21

Contact

Please contact us with any questions. For further information about the gallery, please visit www.galleryno32.co.uk. 

We have been absolutely loving the submissions so far and are really looking forward to receiving more!

Lots of love and hugs,

Meg and Kieran @ Gallery No.32 xxx