Organizer Information
RM Gallery (commonly referred to as RM) is a contemporary art space based in Auckland, New Zealand. The institution operates as an artist-run and curatorially engaged platform dedicated to supporting experimental, emerging, and mid-career artistic practices across a wide range of disciplines.
RM is recognized within New Zealand’s contemporary arts ecosystem for its flexible programming structure, allowing artists to propose both conventional and non-traditional exhibition formats. Its activities are supported by core funding from Creative New Zealand, the country’s principal arts development organization. This partnership enables RM to sustain artist fees, production support, and a commitment to risk-taking contemporary practices.
The organization operates as both an exhibition venue and an experimental production site, encouraging proposals that extend beyond gallery walls into public space, digital environments, and time-based or ephemeral formats. RM’s curatorial philosophy emphasizes process-led creation, dialogue with artists, and adaptive exhibition-making.
Title & Description
RM Call for Proposals 2027 – RM Contemporary Arts Programme
RM invites local and international artists, collectives, and interdisciplinary practitioners to submit proposals for its 2027 exhibition and events programme. This open call seeks new work across a broad spectrum of contemporary art practices, including solo or group exhibitions, performance-based works, workshops, talks, screenings, publications, and hybrid or experimental formats.
For the 2027 cycle, RM introduces a slower exhibition rhythm, with 6-week exhibition durations designed to allow more focused development and deeper engagement with each project. The programme also allocates increased resources specifically for ephemeral, site-responsive, and time-based works.
Artists are encouraged to submit proposals that engage critically with contemporary artistic production and that may extend into non-traditional exhibition formats such as off-site interventions, online works, screening programmes, text-based practices, and performative events. RM particularly welcomes proposals that explore new modes of presentation and audience engagement.
The gallery contains two primary exhibition spaces—Space R and Space M—which may be proposed individually or in combination. However, full exclusive use of the entire gallery is not guaranteed, as programming is distributed across selected projects.
Categories
- Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, installation)
- Contemporary Photography
- Video and Film Art
- Performance Art
- Sound Art and Music Composition
- Digital and New Media Art
- Installation and Spatial Practices
- Text-based and Literary Art Practices
- Curatorial and Experimental Exhibition Formats
- Workshops, Talks, and Educational Practices
- Interdisciplinary and Hybrid Practices
- Publication-based and Research-led Artworks
Eligibility
- Open to international and New Zealand-based artists
- Individuals and collectives may apply
- Artists at all career stages are eligible (emerging, mid-career, established)
- Interdisciplinary and cross-sector practitioners are strongly encouraged
- No strict disciplinary limitations apply; proposals are evaluated on conceptual strength and feasibility
Program Benefits & Awards
- Artist fees supported through RM’s institutional funding structure
- Production support for selected projects
- Access to exhibition space(s): Space R, Space M, or both (subject to programming schedule)
- Technical and curatorial assistance from the RM team
- Opportunity to present work in a professionally curated contemporary arts programme
- Inclusion in RM’s 2027 public programme and promotional channels
- Potential support for off-site, online, or experimental formats, depending on proposal scope
Funding and allocation are determined based on project requirements and curatorial selection.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Written Proposal (500–750 words)
- Description of proposed project
- Conceptual framework and artistic intention
- Participant background (for group projects)
- Preferred exhibition space (Space R, Space M, or both)
- Suggested timeframe within the 2027 programme quarters
- Visual / Audio Documentation
- Images of proposed works or relevant past projects
- Video, sound, or performance documentation (via file or external link if necessary)
- Space Consideration Notes
- Indication of preferred gallery space
- Consideration of the spatial layout using the provided floor plan
- Contact Details
- Email address
- Phone number
- Optional CV
- An artist's CV is not mandatory, but may be included
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email as a single PDF: rmartistspace@gmail.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 June 2026
- Exhibition Duration: 6 weeks per selected project
- Programme Period: 2027 (January – December)
- Preferred Scheduling Quarters:
- Q1: January – March
- Q2: April – June
- Q3: July – September
- Q4: October – December
All deadlines are based on local New Zealand time.
Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Additional Details
RM encourages proposals that challenge conventional exhibition formats and expand the definition of gallery-based presentation. The 2027 programme is intentionally structured to support slower, more process-oriented artistic development, allowing for deeper engagement between artists, space, and audience.
Applicants should note that exhibition space allocation is flexible and not guaranteed exclusively to any single project. The institution prioritizes experimentation, adaptability, and conceptual rigour over fixed curatorial formats.
The gallery also supports ephemeral, performative, and research-driven practices, including works that may exist partially outside the physical exhibition space.
For clarification or additional information, applicants may contact RM Collective via: info@rm.org.nz