Blindside Open Call for Exhibition

Blindside invites applications for the 2025 Exhibition Program

Blindside was founded for multi-generational local and interstate artists, writers and curators, to engage in critical dialogue and exchange.

This year BLINDSIDE has a two-tired proposal application; you can apply for either a 4-week exhibition period, or * up to a 2-week gallery activation slot.

4-week Exhibition: This proposal is suggested for artists, curators, collectives or collaborators interested in presenting solo or group exhibitions. You may also include public programs/gallery activations during this period.

* Gallery Activation (up to 2-weeks): This proposal is suggested for artists/curators/collectives, filmmakers, performers, research-based practitioners or those interested in experimentation, ephemeral projects, collaborative praxis, and/or performative works. Applicants are invited to use BLINDSIDE’s gallery space as they see fit: whether that be for a short-term residency/open studio/workshop space, a one-night film screening, a series of performances. The one requirement is that these activations need to have a public-facing outcome during your activation period (whether that be a launch, performance, open studio or otherwise).

Your proposal can also be for one-off events/activities that activate the gallery space, not a full two-week show.
Successful applications will receive:

– An allocated 4-week or 2-week slot in one (or both) of our galleries.

– A project fee for one, or both spaces, the amount of which will be determined.

– Onsite technical assistance for your installation.

– Staff to invigilate the gallery space (Wednesday to Saturday), opening night and public programs.

– Promotional support through the BLINDSIDE website, e-invitations and social media promotion.

– Support letters for grant applications for exhibition funding.

– Curatorial and professional development advice.

– Assistance connecting exhibiting artists with writers and curators.

BLINDSIDE is committed to supporting artists to see their ideas from concept through to fruition. We encourage applications in all formats, whether it be an ambitious solo project across both spaces, shorter performance or public program series, group or collaborative exhibitions, or solo single gallery projects.

If you are unsure about your project and whether it is feasible in our gallery, please get in touch by email via info@blindside.org.au.

* Application Process

Forms may not be accessible to everyone. BLINDSIDE accepts alternative applications, such as video responses (up to 3-5min per question). BLINDSIDE also offers advice regarding application development.

If this sounds like you, please get in touch by emailing info@blindside.org.au.

Fees

Thanks to generous support from the City of Melbourne, Creative Australia, and Patagorang Foundation, as well as the artists, sponsors and patrons who have supported BLINDSIDE through our fundraising initiatives, we are thrilled that BLINDSIDE will continue as a FREE space to exhibit in 2025.

In 2025, BLINDSIDE will offer a project fees for successful applicants, the amount of which will be determined by funding outcomes.

As a not-for-profit organisation BLINDSIDE takes no commission from the sale of any artworks and will not display prices/sale stickers alongside works in the exhibition.

Our programming is primarily shaped by proposals from our creative community. Along with the Open Call, we continuously expand with new initiatives, projects, and collaborations, enhancing Melbourne’s arts ecosystem and attracting diverse audiences.

2025 is no different, as we continue our commitment in supporting high-quality work through experimentation and risk-taking, alongside fostering strong partnerships and collaborative projects.

For our 2025 annual Open Call, Blindside wishes to invite applications that emphasise creative development and experimentation. Artists at any stage of their career are welcome to apply with proposals that explore new dialogues in our contemporary arts ecology.
In recent times, artists are collaborating more often, producing ephemeral projects and emphasising public intervention/engagement within the gallery space.

For more information see our website. Blindside will host a 2025 Open Call Information Session on Tuesday 13th August at 6:30pm.

Due at 11:59pm on SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2024.

Apply link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLYbPsg0K9uK1joR1-2DW2s-pnzCTox6-qmaYFnKsbf7BWJg/viewform