Organizer Information
Copeland Gallery is an independent contemporary art venue established in 2013 and located in Peckham, London. Over the past decade, it has become a significant contributor to the development of South London’s evolving art ecosystem, particularly within the context of emerging and experimental Visual Arts practices.
Operating as a flexible, dry-hire exhibition space, Copeland Gallery has hosted hundreds of exhibitions, performances, and cultural events featuring early-career artists, international practitioners, independent curators, and commercial creative collaborations. Its programming reflects a hybrid model that combines grassroots artistic production with professional exhibition infrastructure.
The gallery’s mission is rooted in accessibility and opportunity creation, offering emerging artists a large-scale exhibition environment at reduced financial entry points. This model is designed to support artists who may face structural barriers to accessing traditional commercial gallery systems, particularly at early stages of their careers.
Title & Description
Copeland Gallery Emerging Artist Exhibitions 2026 – Open Call for Exhibition Space in London
This open call invites artists, collectives, and curators to propose exhibitions for Copeland Gallery, a flexible Exhibition venue located in Peckham, London.
The programme offers selected applicants the opportunity to independently organise and present an exhibition within a large-scale, adaptable gallery environment. The space is designed as a “blank canvas,” allowing artists to fully transform the venue according to their conceptual and spatial needs, making it suitable for installation-based or experimental curatorial approaches.
The 2026 programme is structured across two application blocks, each offering multiple exhibition dates. The initiative focuses on supporting early-career artists and independent practitioners who are seeking access to professional exhibition infrastructure without the high financial barriers typically associated with commercial gallery rentals.
Copeland Gallery emphasises autonomy and flexibility, allowing exhibitors to define their own curatorial direction, production scale, and exhibition format. This includes solo exhibitions, group shows, interdisciplinary projects, and experimental presentations.
The initiative continues the gallery’s long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging artistic voices while maintaining strong ties to both local and international creative communities.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Photography
- Mixed Media
- Digital Art
- Video/Film
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Curatorial Projects
- Site-specific practices
Eligibility
- Open internationally (no geographic restriction specified)
- Individual artists, collectives, curators, and organisations may apply
- Applicants must be in the early stages of their practice
- Applicants should not have extensive prior exhibition history.
- Applicants must be prepared to independently deliver a large-scale exhibition.
- Funding must already be secured prior to application (mandatory requirement).
- Applicants must have the capacity to meet insurance and risk assessment requirements.
- Experience with installation in non-white cube or older buildings is desirable but not mandatory
Program Benefits & Awards
- Access to a large-scale Exhibition space at Copeland Gallery
- Discounted or subsidised venue hire (community-based pricing model)
- Opportunity to present a fully self-directed exhibition project
- Professional gallery infrastructure in a well-established London art district
- Exposure to Copeland Gallery’s network of artists, audiences, and collaborators
- Inclusion in a programme that has historically featured both local and international emerging artists
This opportunity is particularly valuable for artists seeking real-world exhibition experience, spatial experimentation, and public presentation of their work within a recognised London gallery context.
Application Fee
No application fee is specified
Selected applicants must pay:
- Minimum hire fee: £1,000 + VAT
- Refundable deposit: £500 + VAT
Application Requirements
- Exhibition proposal or concept outline
- Portfolio of previous work (selected images or documentation)
- Basic artist or collective information
- Curatorial statement (for group or curated exhibitions, if applicable)
- Technical or spatial requirements for installation
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the scale of the proposed exhibition.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Applications Deadline: 26 May 2026
- Available Exhibition Blocks:
- 5–10 August 2026
- 12–17 August 2026
- 18–24 August 2026
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
Copeland Gallery operates as a dry-hire venue, meaning selected exhibitors are responsible for curating, producing, and installing their own exhibitions. The space is designed to be highly adaptable, supporting a wide range of artistic formats from traditional wall-based works to large-scale immersive installations.
The gallery’s model prioritises accessibility for early-career artists while maintaining professional exhibition standards. Previous programming has included diverse international presentations, reinforcing its position within London’s contemporary art landscape.
Applicants should be aware that this opportunity requires independent production capacity, including logistical planning, installation management, and exhibition coordination.