Taster Exhibition

Image : Jessy Plant curating at Lansdown Gallery by Violetta Quill

Submission Information

Open Studios artists are invited to take part in the group exhibition at Lansdown Gallery.

Due to size restrictions we need :

  • your submission information by Monday 20th May 2024 for publicity, curation and artwork labelling - use this form

  • Due to the size limitations, all artwork has to be under 80cm x 80cm (triptychs within this size are accepted)

  • There are windowsills for small 3D pieces, and 13 plinths that can be made available by the gallery.

  • Delivery to Lansdown Gallery - Friday 31st May 12-7pm

See below for even more detail about delivery.

The Taster Exhibition offers a chance for Open Studios artists to meet each other and chat, but also for visitors to see a piece of work to plan their studio visits.

It is an opportunity only available to Open Studios artists (ie. not for Listings and Features, and those who have adverts in the directory).

However if you have a Site Festival event, please feel free to bring in posters or additional publicity items which we can display at the gallery.

Opening Times

Tuesdays to Fridays 10am-4pm

Open Studios Weekends 11am-6pm

Key Dates

Delivery Day - Friday 31st May 12-7pm

Curation Day - Saturday 1st June

Opening Day - Sunday 2nd June 4-7pm

Take Down Day - 17th June

Collection Days - 17th and 18th June

Delivering your work

Deliver to the gallery Friday 31st May 12-7pm

Key Info

  • Submit your work using this form by Monday 20th May

  • Deliver to Lansdown Gallery - Friday 31st May 12-7pm

  • Due to the size limitations, all artwork has to be under 80cm x 80cm (triptychs within this size are accepted)

  • There are windowsills for small 3D pieces, and 13 plinths that can be made available by the gallery.

  • You’ll need to take your packaging away with you, and bring it back when you collect your work

Make sure you also :

  1. Ensure you have mirror plates attached if your work needs hanging. You can buy these from Pegasus Art in Thrupp (as an SVA member you get 5% off your purchases there). If there are no mirror plates attached then the team can’t hang the work.

  2. Include a label (written on the back, or attached to the back) with your name, the name of your artwork and its medium.

  3. Provide ample instructions if your work needs extra attention or has features that aren’t immediately obvious (eg, it needs plugging into a power socket, needs weighing down to be safe).

  4. Please let us know on your form if you need a plinth

SVA is not responsible for damage or loss of work during the Taster Exhibition. SVA recommends that artists insure the art work, as the artist remains responsible for any loss or damage to the artwork during the Open Studios Taster Exhibition. We recommend using a-n membership which includes insurance. Where possible the exhibition will be invigilated by two people at all times however we rely on artists and their support network to help with the invigilation.

If you have any questions email Jessy at site@sva.org.uk.

Invigilation of the Taster Exhibition

Image : Nigel Noyes 2021

Everyone who is exhibiting is expected to do a slot but we understand you need to be in your studio on the weekends, so we are also looking for friends and family who can help over the Open Studios weekends. 

Please could you ask friends and family or maybe you are a past member who isn't doing Open Studios this time who could help?

We will need Open Studios artists for:

  • 10am - 1pm Monday 3rd - Friday 7th June

  • 1pm - 4pm Monday 3rd - Friday 7th June

  • 10am - 1pm Monday 10th - Friday 14th June

  • 1pm - 4pm Monday 10th - Friday 14th June

We’ll need friends and family for:

  • 11am - 2:30pm Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th June

  • 2:30pm - 9pm Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th June

  • 11am - 2:30pm Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June

  • 2:30pm - 6pm Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June

Add your name to the Rota here

Invigilation Information

Thank you for signing up to be an invigilator for the Taster exhibition. We hope that you have a great time and have lots of visitors.

When you are the first to arrive or last to leave please make sure -

  1. everything is secure

  2. directories are where they should be

  3. all the artwork is still on the walls (or on plinths for 3D work).

  4. If the stack of directories is getting low and there aren’t any replacements, let us know so we can drop more off. (site@sva.org.uk or 01453 751440).

When swapping over shifts please make sure to wait for new invigilators to arrive before leaving, we need to make sure there is always someone in the space. Arriving a little early for the handovers is always appreciated so that the current invigilators can get off on time and enjoy the rest of their day.

Be mindful of visitors. Some people will have come knowing about Site Festival and others might have wondered in without knowing what the exhibition is about. Always offer a directory if possible, or directly to the website (www.sitefestival.org.uk). Maybe you have a studio you recommend visiting or something your looking forward to seeing? And of course, if someone sounds like they might be interested in purchasing a piece of work, the directory and labels include contact information as all purchases will need to be made directly with the artists. 

Again, thank you for your help and we hope you have a great time invigilating the exhibition!