We invite artists working in any type of machine or technology (mechanical, digital, analogue, robotic, kinetic, electronic, or hybrid) to submit proposals for an upcoming group exhibition exploring the role of machines in contemporary artistic practice.

This exhibition examines the dynamic relationship between artists and machines; as tools, collaborators, subjects, critics, or extensions of the creative self. From sculptural automata and generative systems to performance robotics and interactive anstallations. We seek diverse practices that engage with machinery in meaningful ways.

Selected artists will join a curated group exhibition at our independent gallery here in central Nottingham. The show will be accompanied by a full-colour catalogue, a private viewing and launch party, and targeted press and social media promotion.

Submissions are welcome across all disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, collage, printmaking, mixed media, digital practices, video, and experimental approaches, provided that they are in some way or another related to machines/technology.

Machine Arts

In an era of rapidly growing technological advancement, we aim to use this exhibition as a way to highlight how artists have grown to harness tools, not merely as aids but as collaborators, critics, or conceptual cores of their practice.

This show seeks to prompt questions that reflect on broader societal shifts, including automation, labour, surveillance, and intelligence.

"Machine Arts" hopes to reveal new methods of creation, where techonology reshapes human expression.

Dates:

Submission Deadline: 27th June 2026
Exhibition Dates: 18th July - 1st August 2026

Submission Guidelines:

We are keen to learn about you! Please submit the following:

• Contact information (full name, email, mobile)
• Details of the artworks (title, size, medium, year, price)
• Artist statement (max 300 words on how your work relates to the theme and specifically how machines interact with your work)
• Short biography (max 100 words, third-person)
• Statement on why you use machines, and how they transform your traditional practice.
• Up to 4 sample images or video links of your work

Please note: A maximum of two artworks per artist will be selected for exhibition.

Selected Participants Will Receive:

• Exhibition of your work on The Drawing Room Gallery Website (18th July - 1st August 2026)
• Inclusion in a professionally produced paperback catalogue (UK-based) + complimentary PDF copy
• Daily social media features
• Exhibition placement on our homepage
• Direct links to your website or social media in all features

Participation Fee:

£30 for one accepted artwork | £50 for two accepted artworks
Applying to this exhibition opportunity is free.

Participation Fee Benefits:

Selected artists will have their work exhibited online for the full period of the exhibition on our homepage and featured in daily social media promotions.

Selected Artists will have their work on sale in a public gallery in the heart of Nottingham City Centre.

Artists are responsible for the safe delivery of their work to the gallery by 16th July 2026.

Please note that The Drawing Room Gallery will accept 20% commission on any artwork sold in the gallery during this exhibition.

Exhibition Access:

The exhibition is fully accessible to the public with no fee required.

About Us and Our Reach:

Based in Nottingham, The Drawing Room Gallery is an independent, artist-led gallery and online platform that is dedicated to inclusive, affordable art exhibitions for both emerging and established artists.

The Drawing Room Gallery boasts over 1000 devoted followers on Instagram, and over 1300 website visits through May 2026.

We primarily cater to casual art browsers across Nottinghamshire and the Midlands.