Yarra City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from innovative and engaging artists to exhibit as part of our 2026 exhibition program at Fitzroy Library and Bargoonga Nganjin – North Fitzroy Library.

Eligibility

Artists in all stages of their career and working in a variety of media are encouraged to apply. In addition, artists:

• must currently live, work, study or practice in the City of Yarra.
• must not be a current employee of Yarra City Council.
• cannot exhibit solo exhibitions in the City of Yarra Exhibition Program two years in a row.

Council welcomes applications from artists of all backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from people with disability, and from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the LGBTIQA+ community.

How to Apply

Artists are to submit an Expression of Interest through Smarty Grants by the due date which includes:

• A completed application form (contact information and exhibition questions including an exhibition rationale)
• A CV (one A4 page)
• No more than 12 high-resolution (1 MB) examples (images) of work.

Note: Applicants can propose one space only as part of any application. Alternatively, applicants can submit multiple applications for distinct exhibitions tailored to each exhibition space.

Selection criteria

All submissions will be assessed on the following criteria based on a 100% scale. Each criterion will be evaluated based on how each artist responds to the questions and examples submitted in the application form.

• Works of high quality and artistic merit (20%)
• Clarity of concept/theme (20%)
• Works accessible to wide and diverse audiences (20%)
• Works responsive to the site and surrounding area (10%)
• The artist’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the proposed work (10%)
• The quality of the application/documentation provided (10%)
• The works ability to fit within the limitations of the exhibition spaces (10%)

About the Exhibition Program

The City of Yarra exhibition program offers opportunities for artists to make creative use of Council venues and spaces. It also provides locals and the wider community an opportunity to enjoy arts and culture as an everyday experience.

Four exhibitions are programmed for twelve weeks at each library venue. A fee is paid to successful applicants to contribute towards the exhibition development and presentation costs. The available spaces are from February to April, May to July, August to October, and November 2026 to January 2027.

Exhibition spaces in these two venues are in high traffic areas. Bargoonga Nganjin operates an 'Open Library' policy, extending library hours to registered library users for unmanned, self-service access to library facilities. Although all care and consideration are given to the safety of the works on display, artists exhibit works at their own risk. Council takes no responsibility for any theft, loss, or damage to artwork during transportation or display at all venues and recommends that all exhibitors have artwork/artist insurance for the duration of their exhibition (including installation and dismantling) and for associated events, such as exhibition openings.

Council (Arts and Cultural Services Unit) will:

• Provide selected artists an artist fee (excluding GST), which is inclusive of all costs involved with the creation and presentation of the work.
• Support and advise exhibitors in the installation and dismantling of exhibitions ensuring standards of exhibition best practice are adhered to.
• Produce exhibition signage and wall text.
• Produce a room sheet with information on the artist/s, works and price for sale (if applicable). Note: Council will not take any commission on artworks sold.
• Promote the exhibition in relevant Council and Arts and Cultural Services promotional material and platforms where opportunities are available.
• Produce professional photographic documentation of the exhibition for reference and promotional purposes.
• Support an exhibition opening (if applicable).
• Reserve the right to make final decisions determining the exhibition, exhibition dates and installation of works.
• Provide an opportunity and support for successful applicants to facilitate a workshop/artist talk in response to their exhibition as part of our public program with Yarra Libraries (if applicable).

Note: If the exhibition program must close due to unforeseen circumstances, exhibitions that are impacted may be rescheduled at staff discretion.

Exhibitors will:

• Ensure artworks are delivered to Council in a condition that is dry, appropriately identified, and ready to install and with all supporting accessories and other aids necessary for display by the install date.
• Consult with the Arts team about any artworks that weigh more than 20kg to ensure that they can be safely accommodated.
• Be responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the gallery including the install and deinstall of their artwork.
• Provide to the Arts Officer two low-resolution images and an exhibition statement for promotional purposes at the acceptance of an offer.
• Provide to the Arts Officer a list of works (title, materials, and dimensions) at least two weeks prior to the exhibition opening.

Please Note: Artworks that may infringe on the intellectual property of another person or business will not be able to be on public display or exhibition. Council reserves the right to not include works if they believe them to be offensive or derogatory.

Fitzroy Library

Fitzroy Library is located at 128 Moor Street, Fitzroy.

The exhibition space consists of 12 wall mounted glass cases in a busy corridor that leads to the library meeting rooms and staff offices. The cases are suitable for two-dimensional works (particularly series of work), jewellery, small sculptural objects, and historical exhibitions. Exhibition space can be viewed during Library opening hours.

An artist fee of $650 will be provided to each selected artist/group to support an exhibition in this space.

Bargoonga Nganjin

Bargoonga Nganjin is located at 182 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy. It includes a Library, Maternal and Child Heath Centre, community rooms and rooftop garden.

The exhibition space consists of one curved wall in a busy area within the ground floor foyer area that leads to the children’s library, library meeting rooms and reception. The wall is suitable for framed works installed on hanging track, two dimensional installations and/or custom paste up, wallpaper or mural/drawing works. An optional addition to the wall is the inclusion of two transparent wall cavity cases which are suitable for suspended two-dimensional works (particularly series of work), jewellery, small sculptural objects, and historical exhibitions. Exhibition space can be viewed during Library opening hours.

An artist fee of $1000 will be provided to each selected artist/group to support an exhibition in this space.

Note: Bargoonga Nganjin currently operates an ‘Open Library’ policy; extending library hours to registered library members for unmanned, self-service access to library facilities.

Contact details

If you require a hard copy application form, more information, or further assistance to complete your application please contact the Arts Officer below:

grace.Longato@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Grace Longato

9205 5029