Call for Entries: KINETIC

With works from across the UK in all scales, ranging from simple to complex, decorative to everyday, powered by hand, engine, wind, or clockwork, and using diverse media, this show will be an inspiring and playful introduction to the world of artists, makers, and designers, who incorporate engineering into their craft, or craft into their engineering.

There will be plenty of opportunities for audiences to engage, learn skills, and have fun with interactive exhibits, and a programme of events, such as demonstrations, workshops, and talks. From jewellery that moves, through playful automata, to bicycles: how do these artists, makers, and designers incorporate moving into their making?

Why exhibit in KINETIC?​

• FREE application process and participation

• The opportunity to showcase your work to a new audience at MAKE Southwest (in 2024, an average exhibition saw over 16,000 visitors to its galleries, as well as 21K social media followers)

• We will help with costs of getting work to and from the gallery

• Extensive marketing to local and national press and digital publications

• Opportunities to run paid-for workshops and events

• Opportunities to get involved with MAKE Southwest’s lively making community

Sales Information

Work does not need to be for sale, however any work for sale will be subject to MAKE Southwest commission: 50%​ - sales agreement will be on a Sale or Return basis.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for artists, makers, and designers who:

• Work in a field of craft, manufacturing, or making – we are keen to hear from people using any materials and skills, whether traditional or contemporary, self-taught or not, professional (making a living), or not!

• Are using or incorporating moving parts into their work in a traditional, skilled, or innovative way. The moving parts can be the central feature, or not.

• Produce innovative, imaginative work coupled with a sensitive use of appropriate materials

• Are using craft/manufacturing techniques to produce their work; as a charity championing making, we are unable to accept painting or drawing without an element of making incorporated. Any other craft or medium is accepted, including photography, printmaking, wood, sculpture in any material, textiles, ceramics, glass, metalwork, as long as (in this particular case) they incorporate some moving element;

• Show the highest standards of workmanship and design

• Are aware of their environmental impact and can demonstrate a response to this

Display

Please note: We will be sensitive to the display needs of the artist/maker - we will need the work to be ready to show; for example, with hanging strings on the back, or on a stand, however we expect to discuss whether the work should be covered, protected, or available to interact with at all times/at certain times/only under supervision/never. We ask for further detail if possible on the application form. For example, if the work is really fragile, we could perhaps show a film of the piece working, or have staff demonstrate it sometimes, but it would otherwise be kept under a Perspex lid or in a cabinet. All work is insured while on our premises by our insurance.

Our selection panel:

MAKE Southwest Exhibitions Team

+TBC

Please visit our website for more information and to apply.