SCAF is supporting the production of an exhibition in the Scarborough Market Hall Vaults, managed and curated by Amelia Pethullis. As a recent Fine Art graduate and freelancer with the Scott Creative Arts Foundation, Amelia is beginning to initiate local creative connections in response to her interest in Yorkshire’s thriving creative sector. This exhibition will focus on experimental approaches to practice, and offering Yorkshire based artists the opportunity to showcase works they feel represent their ongoing artistic practices.

Eligibility and Focus

This opportunity is open to individuals working within the county of Yorkshire, with a particular focus on emerging artists who are not currently represented by galleries.

It is intended for those who are actively developing their artistic practice and seeking local opportunities that support the progression of their creative careers.

Exhibition Concept

Emerging Contemporaries will take place in the Scarborough Market Hall Vaults. Local and regional artists are invited to propose works that represent their wider practice.

Any theme, material, or concept may be considered. However, the exhibition is shaped by the site’s specific constraints, including limited space and the non‑traditional nature of the venue.

Artists should be prepared for flexible curatorial decisions made collaboratively between the artist and curator, Amelia Pethullis.

Working with the Space

The Vaults are not a conventional gallery environment. Artists will work with the curator to install their work in ways that respond to the space, acknowledging that spatial boundaries and architectural complexities may influence display decisions.

The exhibition aims to celebrate the integration of contemporary fine art within regional community spaces.

The Scarborough Market Hall Vaults hold distinct character, charm, and a rich history, offering artists an opportunity to consider how their work might be thoughtfully integrated into this unique setting.

Exposure and Marketing

Scarborough Market Hall is a busy community venue with consistent daily footfall from local residents, regular shoppers, and visitors to the town. 

While exact numbers vary seasonally, the Vaults benefit from steady circulation throughout the day, with increased activity during weekends and market events.

The exhibition will be positioned to attract both intentional visitors and incidental footfall from those exploring the Market Hall.

With the Vaults being the lesser known area of the building, we will be directing visitors to the Vaults exhibition with clear signage.

Promotion for the exhibition will be delivered through SCAF’s social media channels, the Scarborough Market Hall platforms, and targeted outreach to local arts networks.

This includes Instagram callouts, shared posts across partner organisations, and visibility through community groups connected to the Market Hall.

Artists will also be encouraged to share the exhibition details within their own networks to support wider reach.

The exhibition’s presence within a public, high‑traffic venue provides strong visibility for participating artists - especially during the year of Scarborough’s 400th anniversary!

Benefits for Artists

Participating artists will have the opportunity to exhibit work within a distinctive, non‑traditional space that encourages experimental installation approaches and responsive display methods.

The Vaults’ architectural character offers valuable experience in adapting work to site‑specific contexts and exploring how contemporary practice can be integrated into community environments.

Artists will receive curatorial support throughout installation, with collaborative decision‑making around how work is displayed in relation to the space.

Small‑scale works are welcomed and can be accommodated through pre‑arranged delivery, making the opportunity accessible to artists working with portable or delicate materials.

The exhibition foregrounds emerging voices within Yorkshire’s creative sector and offers visibility through promotion by SCAF and Scarborough Market Hall.

Participating artists will benefit from increased public engagement, professional development, and opportunities to build connections with other regional practitioners.

Artwork Delivery and Logistics

All artwork must be delivered to the Scarborough Market Hall Vaults on the 12th and 13th of August 2026. Small works may be accepted via pre‑arranged delivery to Amelia Pethullis upon request and at the organiser’s discretion.

Key Dates

• Deadline to submit work: Friday 24th July
• Selected participants notified: Monday 27th July
• Delivering artwork and install: Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th August
• Opening (tbc): Friday 14th or Saturday 15th August 2026
• Run: 14th August to 2nd September 2026
• Deinstall: Thursday 3rd or Friday 4th September 2026
  
  

Important information:

Invigilation hours are required unless otherwise arranged with the organiser. A minimum of one day (6 hours) total is required, which can be completed at any time during the run, and can be divided as you like.