Artist Takeover: Open Call

We are seeking applications from emerging and established Cornwall-based artists or collectives to take over our exhibition space with a new event, exhibition or something experimental that you are hoping to develop or test in a public space.  All art forms and mediums will be considered and we are open to any ideas that align with our project aims and adhere to the terms and conditions below.
Our approach is flexible and we welcome questions.

We are looking for ideas that will:

Be socially engaged – this could be through the artwork itself, considered collaborations, thought-provoking interpretation or integrated workshops and events linking to our community engagement programme.

Start meaningful conversations between artists, the gallery and our community.

Help us to reflect on the gallery’s identity and role in the community. (Find out more about us here: About Us – Falmouth Town Council )

Explore fresh perspectives and ways to experience the arts.

Celebrate and support creativity, innovation and social conscience / awareness.

Exhibition Takeovers (4 Opportunities):

What it is: Take over our main exhibition space (Rooms 2 and 3 – see room plans below) with an exhibition or an experimental work that can be viewed in progress by gallery visitors. 

Successful applicants will receive:

• £1000 production budget
• £1000 exhibiting fee
• 2x technicians for 2 days (for installation/de-installation – see Terms & Conditions)
• Curatorial, engagement and marketing support from the gallery team

Exhibition takeover dates:

Slot 1: 5 October – 2 November 2026

Slot 2: 3 – 30 November 2026

Slot 3: 1 December 2026 – 4 January 2027

Slot 4: 5 January – 1 February 2027

---

Event Takeover (1 Opportunity):

What it is: Stage a free public event in Rooms 2 and 3 (in between exhibitions).

Successful applicants will receive: £1000 budget, staff time and marketing support. 

Event dates: 1-3 October 2026

Timing: Ideally during gallery opening hours on one or all of the dates. Late opening until 10 pm offered on Friday 2 October.

1. Pre-application Advice and Support

We offer advice and support before you apply. Contact Donna Westlake at donnawestlake@falmouthartgallery.com.  Please email Donna with any questions or to arrange a phone call or meeting.

2. Prepare Your Application

Tell us about:

• You (the artist/collective)
• Your idea
• How your idea aligns with our Project Aims

Choose your preferred format:

• A typed document (maximum 650 words)
• Or an audio or video recording (maximum 5 minutes)

Include up to 5 images (maximum 1 MB each) to support your application. These must include examples of your artistic practice.

3. Submit Your Application

Email your final application to exhibitions@falmouthartgallery.com

Application deadline: 5 pm on Friday 26 September 2025.

4. Decision Making and Notification

Applications will be considered by a panel of gallery staff, external curators and community partners.

Donna may contact you with further questions during this process.

Notification Date: Successful applicants will be notified on Friday 24 October 2025.  

• The gallery’s decision is final.
• Slot allocation: Artists can indicate their preferred slot but dates will be allocated at the discretion of Falmouth Art Gallery.
• Artist’s agreement: Successful applicants must sign an artist’s agreement committing to the idea proposed, dates offered, budget and expectations of both parties.
• Budget submission and payments: Successful applicants must submit detailed budgets to be agreed by Falmouth Art Gallery by 31 March 2026.  Artists will be paid 50% in advance and 50% on delivery.
• Project updates and meetings: Exhibiting artists must regularly update the gallery on their progress and agree to 4x planning meetings either at the gallery or artist’s studio.
• Health, safety and access: Both the event and exhibitions must meet the gallery’s health, safety and accessibility requirements and be suitable to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
• Respectful conduct: Gallery staff must be treated with respect at all times.
• Curatorial decisions: All curatorial decisions, including construction, painting and exhibition furniture, must be agreed by Falmouth Art Gallery.
• Installation: Installation/De-installation must take place during the dates offered.   The gallery must be returned to its original condition.
• Technical support: The gallery will provide 2x technicians for 1 day to install and 1 day to de-install.  Any additional technical support required must come from the production budget.  Dates must be agreed in advance.
• Events and workshops: Events and workshops are encouraged but dates and times are dependent on staffing and must be agreed by Falmouth Art Gallery.
• Art sales and commission: Exhibited artworks can be for sale.  Please include 40% gallery commission to sale prices.  Any additional items such as cards or prints must be agreed in advance with the gallery shop.