The Exhibitions Hub is pleased to launch its second Alumni Commission Award, in partnership with the Women’s Art Library (WAL) and Southwark Park Galleries. The commission invites Goldsmiths Department of Art Alumni to develop a new work in response to or inspired by the WAL that will be presented at Southwark Park Galleries in Autumn 2023.

Following a period of research and development with the WAL, the selected artist will develop a new work, event, exhibition, screening or other project that engages public audiences. Artists can work in any medium or practice and the outcome is intentionally open to allow for creative experimentation and engagement approaches.

Deadline: Sunday 19th March, 23:59

Mentorship

Artist and lecturer: Michelle Williams Gamaker, Curator of the WAL: Althea Greenan, Gallery Manager at Southwark Park Galleries: John Harris, Curator of the Exhibitions Hub: Katie Simpson and Director of the Exhibitions Hub: Nick Grimmer, will award the commission and provide individual mentorships to guide and support the successful artist during the development of the project.

The Exhibitions Hub will support the organisation and curation of the public-facing presentation of the project outcome at Southwark Park Galleries.

Eligibility

The award is only open to Goldsmiths Department of Art Alumni. You should have graduated from the Department of Art between 2018-2022.

Fee & Budget

  • Artist fee: £1,500
  • Production budget: £500
  • Public presentation budget: £500
  • In addition, the Exhibitions Hub will provide AV equipment for production and the public presentation from its loan store.

The Exhibitions Hub Team will support the organisation, curation and production of the public outcome.

The Exhibitions Hub will aim to provide technical advice and access to some equipment at Goldsmiths when possible (please note that we will have to work around teaching, exams, and degree shows).

Application process

To apply, please submit a statement of interest (max 1 A4 page) that includes the following:

  • A brief explanation of how this commission and engagement with the WAL would tie in with or develop your existing practice and research.
  • An initial idea of how you would like to engage with or respond to the WAL and its collections.
  • If you have a website, please include a link in your expressions of interest. If you do not have a website, you are welcome to include images (no more than 2 pages).

We are happy to receive expressions of interest that are recorded on audio or video. CVs, budget outlines or proposals of a final outcome are not required at this point to keep the process simple and accessible.

Strong expressions of interest will show an understanding of the collections held within the Women’s Art Library as well as the mission and ethos of Southwark Park Galleries.

To find out more information on the Women’s Art Library, its holdings and history along with a selection of past projects, please visit the Goldsmiths Exhibitions Hub website. 

Email your expressions of interest to Katie Simpson with “Expressions of Interest – Alumni Commission Award 2023” in the subject line no later than 23:59 on Sunday, 19 March.

If you have any access needs that you would like to discuss regarding this open call, please contact Katie Simpson.

Shortlisting

A shortlist of candidates will be invited for an informal conversation with the project mentors to discuss their initial ideas, gauge the feasibility of the project, and to clarify any questions on both sides. These conversations are likely to take place during the first week of April.

Timeline

Please note: This is a part time opportunity that the nominated artist can undertake alongside other professional and personal commitments. The artist is expected to manage their own time and to work independently on the project, supported by mentorship and regular communication with the Exhibitions Hub.

  • Deadline for expressions of interest: Sunday, 12 March 11:59pm
  • Short conversations: First week of April (TBC)
  • Nomination: Mid-April (after Easter)
  • Research and development period: 5 months from May – September 2023
  • Public outcome at Southwark Park Galleries: October 2023.

Find out more on the Goldsmiths Exhibitions Hub website. 

The project is curated and coordinated by the Exhibitions Hub (Goldsmiths, Department of Art) in partnership with the Women’s Art Library and Southwark Park Galleries.