EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Union Theatre Gallery Exhibition Program 2026–2027

• Open 30 September 2026
• Close 5pm 30 October 2026

Call for artists

Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council invite artists and artist groups to submit an Expression of Interest to exhibit at the Union Theatre Gallery, 65 Bridge Street, Lithgow, as part of the 2027 exhibition program 

The program will present up to six professionally supported exhibitions, with a strong focus on artists living or working in the Lithgow local government area. Applications are welcomed from emerging and established artists working across visual art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and suitable installation-based work. 

The opportunity

Selected artists will receive access to a professional regional exhibition space, curatorial and administrative support from Arts OutWest, and promotion through Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council communication channels. 

• Exhibitions may run for four weeks, with an additional week allocated for installation and deinstallation.
• Shorter two-week exhibitions may be considered where appropriate.
• Standard public opening hours are Thursday to Saturday, 10 am–3pm. The Gallery  must be open these days and times. Artists can open other days if they want.
• Artist talks, workshops and exhibition openings may form part of the program.

The program aims to strengthen the visibility, confidence and professional practice of local artists while activating the Union Theatre Gallery and contributing to Lithgow’s cultural life and visitor experience.

Who can apply

• Individual artists, artist groups and collectives.
• Artists living or working in the Lithgow local government area; proposals from outside the area may be considered where they offer significant local relevance, engage with the local community and or provide regional collaboration. 
• Artists able to prepare exhibition-ready work and participate in installation, gallery supervision and deinstallation. 

Selection criteria

• Artistic quality, clarity and readiness of the proposed exhibition.
• Connection to Lithgow, its communities, stories, places or creative practice.
• Suitability for the Union Theatre Gallery and ability to meet venue requirements.
• Potential to engage audiences through an opening, artist talk, workshop or other public activity. School engagement will be highly regarded.
• Contribution to a balanced and diverse annual program, including alignment with significant community dates or events where relevant.

What to include in your EOI
Please provide the following information in a single application (using the link provided)

• Your name, contact details and suburb or locality.
• A short artist statement and brief biography.
• A clear exhibition proposal, including a working title, concept, art forms, approximate number of works and preferred exhibition timing.
• Up to five images of recent or proposed work, with captions identifying title, year, medium and dimensions.
• A brief artist CV, or one CV per participating artist for a group proposal.
• Any installation, access, technical, public-program or venue requirements.
• Links to a website, social media, video or sound work, if relevant.

What the program provides

• Use of the Union Theatre Gallery, existing hanging system, plinths, lighting, electricity, kitchen and toilet facilities, subject to venue availability.
• Curatorial, exhibition-planning, installation and administration support from Arts OutWest.
• Promotion through Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council channels.
• Support to coordinate an opening, artist talk or workshop where agreed.

Venue access and programming remain subject to Council operations and any theatre bookings. Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council will work with selected artists to resolve access conflicts where possible.

Marketing requirements

Selected artists will work with Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council to prepare and deliver timely, accurate and accessible promotion for their exhibition. All public material must be approved before publication.

• Provide final exhibition title, artist name or group name, a concise description, artist biography, confirmed dates and times, opening or public-program details, contact information and relevant booking links by the agreed deadline. 
• Supply at least three high-resolution, publication-ready images with artwork captions and photographer credits, together with written permission for promotional use.
• Prepare marketing copy and agreed print or digital collateral in the required formats; artists are responsible for any additional design, printing, advertising or distribution costs unless otherwise agreed. 
• Use the approved Arts OutWest, Lithgow City Council and venue names and logos in accordance with supplied branding guidance, and do not alter logos or imply sponsorship beyond the confirmed partnership. 
• Include clear access information, plain-language event details and image descriptions or alternative text in digital promotion where practical. 
• Actively promote the exhibition through the artist’s own networks and social media, and provide approved content in time for Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council publishing schedules. 
• Obtain approval before issuing media releases, paid advertising, posters or signage that feature partner branding or the Union Theatre Gallery, and promptly advise of any changes to published information. 
• Marketing will be coordinated by AOW. They will provide artists with a socials and marketing template and a marketing checklist. AOW will create and print A-frame Boards with GALLERY OPEN, AOW & LCC Logos and a window for A3 exhibition poster printout. 

Costs and artist responsibilities

• The artists will be the hirer of the gallery and responsible for adhering to all gallery hiring terms and conditions .
• The artist hire fee is $200 for a four-week exhibition, or $100 for an approved two-week exhibition.
• Artists must provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance  
• Artists are responsible for preparing artworks, labels, catalogue information and marketing copy and collateral. AOW will provide a consistent and usable template for collateral such as labels, social media assets and marketing. 
• Artists are responsible for exhibition installation and deinstallation. 
• Artists are responsible for gallery supervision during opening hours.
• No work or signage may be fixed to walls, ceilings or windows without prior approval.
• Artists are responsible for keeping record of visitation and completing surveys. 
• Artists meet catering and other agreed costs associated with openings, events or workshops
• All sales are to be coordinated by the artists with no commissions taken by LCC or AOW 

Successful applicants will work with Arts OutWest to confirm dates, access, installation arrangements, marketing, public activities and evaluation requirements before their exhibition is scheduled. 

Accessibility: Artists who require an alternative application format or other reasonable adjustments are encouraged to contact Arts OutWest before applying. 

Program timing

The exhibition program is planned to run from November 2026 to December 2027. Applicants should identify their preferred dates or availability in their EOI. Final dates will be negotiated with selected artists and are subject to venue availability. 

EOI closing date: 30 October 2026 

How to apply

Submit your EOI and supporting material via the online form.

For enquiries or to discuss access requirements, contact Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au.

This program is a partnership between Arts OutWest and Lithgow City Council.