Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) provides public exhibition spaces to promote artworks of local, regional and national relevance, providing our community with responsive, vibrant and challenging cultural experiences.
A range of exhibition options are available for organisations, groups and individuals to display and share art, objects and information. We can support a broad range of visual art practices and exhibition types including painting, printmaking, photography, textiles and other installations.
We seek exhibition applications year-round and assess on an ongoing basis. Please note, we receive a large number of proposals each year. If your exhibition cannot be scheduled into our current program, we will add it to our waiting list for possible future programs.
FEES AND EXPENSES
There is usually no fee to hire our exhibition spaces. If your exhibition is of a commercial nature, we may negotiate a percentage of commissions from works sold. Depending on the requirements of your exhibition, a contribution towards staffing costs may be required.
Exhibition presenters are responsible for all costs associated with their exhibition, including installation and deinstallation, and for any launch event expenses including catering/refreshments. There is a preferential onsite catering agreement at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre with Lady & The Fox Caterers.
Please note, we will not administer sales or facilitate payment for artworks on behalf of the exhibition presenter.
INSTALLATION AND DE-INSTALLATION
All installation and de-installation is the responsibility of the artists/exhibitors to a timeline and professional standard as agreed with GRLC.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
If your exhibition is shown as part of Geelong Regional Libraries’ program, we may provide the following marketing and promotions:
• Listing in the What’s On at the Library brochure (5,000 copies distributed via library branches and mobile libraries)
• Listing in our online events calendar Communico, on our website www.grlc.vic.gov.au
• Posters and digital signage displayed in libraries
• Inclusion in our monthly e-newsletter (circulation approx. 16,500)
• Social media posts
• Advertising in local press
• Local media opportunities
Our Social Media Links are:
Facebook @geelongregionallibraries
Twitter @geelonglibrary
Insta @geelonglibraries
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Our aim is to develop audiences and communities through the delivery of exhibitions that showcase or interpret our collections, act as a platform for creative community dialogue and which encourage curiosity, debate and discussion.
We encourage exhibitions and displays which:
1. Are of artistic merit and quality 2. Enhance access and connect audiences with the Geelong Regional Library Corporation’s Collections and the region’s history 3. Engage the community in public conversation on contemporary issues of importance to them 4. Promote the library as a place of innovative thinking and robust discussion 5. Are considerate of the broad range of visitors to our libraries.
EXHIBITING AT GEELONG LIBRARY & HERITAGE CENTRE
1. Ground Floor {Ki-kirri-ngitj ("kee-kirri-nich")} Exhibition Wall Wall space fitted with a grid mesh panel system, approximately 9.2m (w) x 1.54m (h) in two sections – one 6.8m (w) and the other 2.4m (w). A small display bench between the two sections can be used to display promotional and support materials.
2. Easels on Ground Floor {Ki-kirri-ngitj ("kee-kirri-nich")} There are also limited options for displaying small exhibitions on easels in the Reading Nook, Ground Floor (a total of 9 easels is available)
3. Level 3 Heritage Centre {Kim barne thaliyu ("kim bani tal-ee-you") Limited cabinet space may be available for heritage displays.
To discuss your requirements for exhibiting at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, please contact Geelong Library Coordinators on (03) 4201 0640 or 4201 0639 or email geelonglc@grlc.vic.gov.au
EXHIBITING AT COLAC LIBRARY
1. Wall Display Space
There is a total of approximately 15m of wall hanging space around the outer walls of Colac Library. This is fitted with track lighting and wire/line with height-adjustable hooks.
This space breaks down into the following four sections:
6m (w) x 2m (h):
2m (w) x 2m (h):
3m (w) x 2m (h):
4m (w) x 2m (h):
2. Foyer Wall Space
Hanging space in the foyer - approximately 4.5m (w) x 2m (h)
N.B. due to restrictions on working at height, exhibitors wanting to utilise this space are required to provide their own Public Liability Insurance and Risk Assessment.
3. Display Cabinets
There are a limited number of glass display cabinets with shelving available at Colac Library for displaying small exhibitions.
To discuss your requirements for exhibiting at Colac Library, please contact the Library Coordinator on (03) 5231 4613 or email colac@grlc.vic.gov.au
EXHIBITING AT BORONGGOOK DRYSDALE LIBRARY
Wall space of approximately 5.5m (w) and 1.5m (h) is fitted with a hook and wire/line system with height-adjustable hooks.
Bookings are now open for exhibitions at this library.
To discuss your requirements for exhibiting at Boronggook Drysdale Library, please contact the Library Coordinator on (03) 4201 0656 or email drysdale@grlc.vic.gov.au
TO APPLY
When applying to exhibit at any Geelong Regional Library, please consider…
• Representation or acknowledgement of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander or CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities • Inclusivity and accessibility of your exhibition, including for people with disabilities • Potential to engage with the community and support the development of a vibrant, artistic community within the Geelong region.
To begin the application process, please complete the application form.
Back to Services
