The Gallery
How to exhibit
The Gallery was opened in June 2007. The exhibition programme is managed by Barking and Dagenham Arts Programme and Cultural Development team on behalf of the Barking Learning Centre to:
- Provide a dedicated exhibition space for local artists, arts organisations and students of all ages to share their work with the community and, for some, to gain experience of exhibiting
- To raise the profile of artistic activity in the borough; and
- To inspire others to engage with and participate in the arts
Exhibition procedure:
- In order to hold an exhibition in The Gallery, the proposed exhibitor should contact the Assistant Arts Development Officer, Neesha Badhan, in the first instance, on 020 8227 2482 or by email: neesha.badhan@lbbd.gov.uk|
- If you are a exhibiting for the first time, Neesha Badhan will meet with you in The Gallery to discuss your proposed exhibition and explain how the hanging system works and outline the responsibilities of the exhibitor
- If your work is suitable for public display in Council premises, it will be agreed that the hang and take down dates for your exhibition, subject to the existing programme
- Following this, an exhibitor's information form will be forwarded to you, which you must fill in and return to her by post, fax or, preferably, email. This states the agreed exhibition dates and asks you to provide some text describing your exhibition, together with at least 2 images of your work (preferably as emailed attachments). This information will be used to promote your exhibition on the borough's website, via press releases to local newspapers, and for posters in the library and exhibition space
- If you request, a drawing of The Gallery with dimensions to help you plan your exhibition can be provided
- Nearer the time of the exhibition, a mutually convenient time will be agreed to meet at The Gallery to hang or take down your exhibition. Please be punctual as this is not the only service Arts Programme and Cultural Development are involved with
- The exhibitor is responsible for transporting, framing/preparing the artworks for exhibition and the hang/take down. Parking is available in the pay and display car park in front of the library. A stepladder will be provided but you must ensure you have a friend or colleague to hold the ladder whilst you are using it in accordance with our health and safety policy
- All artworks and information panels are to be displayed using the hanging system or tables provided. It is not permissible to fix anything directly to the walls. Existing notices or information panels provided by the library or the Arts Service must not be removed or relocated
- If you wish to make changes to any agreed dates or times, please contact Arts Programme and Cultural Development immediately to see if it is possible to do so. If you are unable to attend a meeting or if you know you might be late, again, please telephone to avoid any time wasting
- Should you wish to sell any of your works or invigilate the exhibition, you may do so but this will be your sole responsibility
- If an evening reception for your exhibition has been agreed, you will be required to provide the guest list in advance (maximum 50 people in total), together with any requests for teas and coffees (at your expense). If you wish to supply your own refreshments this must be discussed in advance
- If you wish to make use of the borough's Press Team to promote your exhibition, please supply a press release to ensure it fulfils Council policy and includes the requisite logos. Any invitations to an evening reception should also be approved by the Arts team before going to print
- You are welcome to provide your own book for visitors' comments. The Arts Service will require a copy of any comments for its records
Presentation
You are advised to present your exhibition in a professional way. This will enhance the viewers' experience of your work. If they are not distracted by a messy display it demonstrates that your work is to be taken seriously.
It can be tricky to ensure your artworks are level if you are not experienced in using this system but you should aim to align the tops of the frames/artworks so that each level or row of paintings (or photographs etc) is in alignment, allowing an even amount of space between each work. This should prevent the exhibition looking overcrowded or scruffy. Where possible, the Assistant Arts Development Officer will offer advice to ensure the exhibition looks its best.
There is no hire charge for the exhibition space or commission on sales. We welcome applications from anyone and everyone who has a wish to exhibit their artwork. From professional artist or organisation, college or student, to individual hobbyist, at any age, please do get in touch!
Should you have a query about any of the above or for details of The Gallery Programme, do not hesitate to contact the Assistant Arts Development Officer, Neesha Badhan at the address shown.
