Geelong Regional Libraries (GRL) provides public exhibition spaces to promote artworks of local, regional and national relevance, providing our community with responsive, vibrant and challenging cultural experiences.
A range of exhibition options are available for organisations, groups and individuals to display and share art, objects and information. We support a broad range of visual art practices and exhibition types including painting, printmaking, photography, textiles and other installations.
We seek exhibition applications year-round and assess on an ongoing basis. Please note, we receive many proposals each year and it may take some time for us to respond to your application.
FEES AND EXPENSES
There is usually no fee to hire our exhibition spaces. If your exhibition is of a commercial nature, we may negotiate a percentage of commissions from works sold. Please note, we will not administer sales or facilitate payment for artworks on behalf of the exhibition presenter. Depending on the requirements of your exhibition, a contribution towards staffing costs may be required.
Exhibition presenters are responsible for all costs associated with their exhibition and for any launch event expenses including catering/refreshments. Catering information for Geelong Library & Heritage Centre is available here.
INSTALLATION AND DE-INSTALLATION
All installation and de-installation is the responsibility of the artists/exhibitors to a timeline and professional standard as agreed with GRL.
Please note that library staff cannot specifically supervise the exhibition space and GRL takes no responsibility in the case of theft or damage to exhibition works.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
If your exhibition is included on the Geelong Regional Libraries’ program, our marketing and promotions may include the following: • Listing in the What’s On at the Library brochure (distributed via library branches and mobile libraries) • Listing in our online events calendar on our website www.grlc.vic.gov.au • Posters and digital signage displayed in libraries • Inclusion in our monthly e-newsletter • Social media posts
Our Social Media Links are:
LINKS TO OUR LIBRARY PLAN
Geelong Regional Libraries (GRL) is committed to offering exhibitions that are responsive to the community and aim to increase reading, information and digital literacies and lifelong learning; build 21st century skills; enhance social connectedness; and enable sharing of knowledge.
As per the GRL Library Plan 2025-29, our aim is to create knowledge and connection for people and communities, through the following priorities:
• Encouraging Personal Curiosity - Facilitate lifelong learning - literacy, creativity and heritage; Helping Individuals to navigate mis- and dis-information. • Evolving Customer Experiences - Innovating our service experience and quality; Enabling participation and productivity - work, study and collaborate. • Enhancing Community Wellbeing - Fostering connection and belonging; Celebrating difference and diversity; and Creating places and spaces that people value. • Embracing our Future - Strategically partnering for improved services.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We seek to develop audiences and communities through the delivery of exhibitions that showcase or interpret our collections, act as a platform for creative community dialogue and which encourage curiosity, debate and discussion.
We encourage exhibitions and displays which:
1. Are of artistic merit and quality 2. Enhance access and connect audiences with Geelong Regional Libraries' Collections and the region’s history 3. Engage the community in public conversation on contemporary issues of importance to them 4. Promote the library as a place of innovative thinking and robust discussion 5. Are considerate of the broad range of visitors to our libraries.
EXHIBITING AT GEELONG LIBRARY & HERITAGE CENTRE
1. Ground Floor - Ki-kirri-ngitj (kee-kirri-nich) Exhibition Wall Wall space fitted with a grid mesh panel system, approximately 9.2m (w) x 1.54m (h) in two sections – one 6.8m (w) and the other 2.4m (w). A small display bench between the two sections can be used to display promotional and support materials.
2. Easels on Ground Floor - Ki-kirri-ngitj (kee-kirri-nich) Nook There are also limited options for displaying small exhibitions on easels in the Reading Nook, Ground Floor (a total of 9 easels is available)
3. Level 3 Heritage Centre - Kim barne thaliyu (kim bani tal-ee-you)
Limited cabinet space may be available for heritage displays.
To discuss your requirements for exhibiting at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, please contact Geelong Library Coordinators on (03) 4201 0640 or 4201 0639 or email geelonglc@grlc.vic.gov.au
EXHIBITING AT COLAC LIBRARY
1. Wall Display Space
There is a total of approximately 15m of wall hanging space around the outer walls of Colac Library. This is fitted with track lighting and wire/line with height-adjustable hooks.
This space breaks down into the following four sections:
6m (w) x 2m (h):
2m (w) x 2m (h):
3m (w) x 2m (h):
4m (w) x 2m (h):
2. Foyer Wall Space
Hanging space in the foyer - approximately 4.5m (w) x 2m (h)
N.B. due to restrictions on working at height, exhibitors wanting to utilise this space are required to provide their own Public Liability Insurance and Risk Assessment.
3. Display Cabinets
There are a limited number of glass display cabinets with shelving available at Colac Library for displaying small exhibitions.
To discuss your requirements for exhibiting at Colac Library, please contact the Library Coordinator on (03) 5231 4613 or email colac@grlc.vic.gov.au
EXHIBITING AT BORONGGOOK DRYSDALE LIBRARY
Wall space of approximately 5.5m (w) and 1.5m (h) is fitted with a hook and wire/line system with height-adjustable hooks.
Bookings are now open for exhibitions at this library.
To discuss your requirements for exhibiting at Boronggook Drysdale Library, please contact the Library Coordinator on (03) 4201 0656 or email drysdale@grlc.vic.gov.au
TO APPLY
When applying to exhibit at any Geelong Regional Library, please consider:
• Representation or acknowledgement of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander or CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities • The inclusivity and accessibility of your exhibition, including for people with disabilities • Potential to engage with the community and support the development of a vibrant, artistic community within the Geelong region.
To begin the application process, please complete the Expression of Interest form in either hard copy/pdf version here or electronic/online version here.
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