Applications now open!

Each year, SAM EOI (Expression of Interest) accepts proposals for an exhibition in the Community Gallery at SAM, a rare opportunity to present within a major art museum.  

Applications for SAM EOI are accepted from artists, curators, creative practitioners and community groups who live or can demonstrate a strong connection to, or their project can demonstrate a strong connection to, the Goulburn Valley and the Hume Region. 

Applications are accepted for exhibitions containing artworks of any medium including but not limited to painting, sculpture, video, photography, drawing or installation.  

Key dates: 

Applications open: 5 December 2022 

Applications close: 6 February 2023 

Review by Selection Panel: late February

Acceptance notifications: March 2023 

Exhibition: 22 July – 15 October 2023 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please complete the online application form on the SAM website, which involves: 

• Applicant’s contact details; or contact details of one representative of a community group or collective; 
• Demonstration / proof of local connection (maximum 200 words); 
• Short artist/curator bio or about statement for a community group (max 300 words);
• Artist and/or curator CV; no more than 2 pages (uploaded as .pdf, no larger than 1MB). If there are more than one artist in the exhibition proposal, please provide a CV for each and a letter of support indicating their intent to be involved or have their work involved; 
• Exhibition proposal: this should include title, names of artist/s, and a brief exhibition summary. Please refer gallery specifications and floor plan for details of the Hugh D.T. Williamson Community Gallery; 
• Exhibition supporting material (five page .pdf): this should include images of the proposed artworks. Images should be labelled with a caption detailing artwork title, year, medium and dimensions (uploaded as .pdf, no larger than 5MB). For moving image, performance or sound artworks a ‘still’ must be included of the work in the portfolio and a link provided to viewable files on Vimeo, Youtube, or the applicant’s website; 
• Website, blog or online portfolio website links if available of involved artist’s work (provide access passwords where relevant).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applying does not guarantee your exhibition proposal will selected. A Selection Panel will assess all SAM EOI applications according to the following criteria: 

• The exhibition is suitable for the physical exhibition space; 
• The artist/s, curator/s or community group can demonstrate a prior exhibition record, and/or can demonstrate prior commitment to presenting publicly; 
• The artistic merit of the artworks and concept for the exhibition are original, clear and well thought-out. While there will be support from the Curator - Community in the delivery of the SAM EOI exhibition it is expected that applicants will be directly involved in the management and delivery of the exhibition;
• Proof of Public Liability Insurance (PLI) or intention to get PLI if successful. 

SELECTION PROCESS 

Once the application period has closed, SAM will convene the Selection Panel to review and assess all SAM EOI applications received. The Selection Panel is made up of members of the SAM Exhibitions and Engagement teams, along with external local artistic and community group representatives. 

OFFER OF EXHIBITION AND ACCEPTANCE 

Following the selection process, the Selection Panel will select one exhibition. SAM EOI applicant/s will be notified of the outcome of their proposal in March 2023. 

Acceptance of the offer to exhibit at SAM must be made in writing and with the payment of the exhibiting fee of $500 within two weeks of the dated offer. After this time, SAM will approach another applicant to exhibit or make alternative arrangements.  

Got questions? Email us at:

samsquared@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au