OPEN CALL: Exhibition Programme 2026

About the Open Call

The Gerard Dillon Gallery in Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast seeks submissions from ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL artists for wall-based artwork for either solo or group exhibitions for our 2026 programme. Artists are advised to read the provided documents (Dánlann Dillon Eligibility Criteria and Exhibition Policy) to understand the exhibition policy and eligibility criteria before submitting. The Ballaí Bana Gallery in Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast seeks submissions from EMERGING ARTISTS for wall-based artwork for either solo or group exhibitions for our 2026 programme. Artists are advised to read the provided documents (Ballaí Bána Eligibility Criteria and Exhibition Policy) to understand the exhibition policy and eligibility criteria before submitting. Cultúrlann Mc Adam Ó Fiaich is an Irish language, arts and cultural centre located at the heart of West Belfast.

What is Offered

Successful artists exhibiting in the Gerard Dillon Gallery will be paid a fee of £500, with a 30% gallery commission charged on sold artwork. Successful artists exhibiting in the Ballaí Bana Gallery will be paid a fee of £300, with a 20% gallery commission charged on sold artwork.

Requirements

The open call is for wall-based artwork for either solo or group exhibitions. The Gerard Dillon Gallery seeks submissions from ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL artists. The Ballaí Bána Gallery seeks submissions from EMERGING ARTISTS. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document in a specified order, including images, cover letter, CV, exhibition proposal, and biography. Submissions with missing information or incorrect format will be deemed ineligible.

How to Apply

Interested artists should submit ONE SINGLE PDF document containing ALL the following information in this order: 6 images of recent work (with dimensions, medium and titles), Cover letter with artist contact details, CV/History of artistic practice (no more than 2 A4 pages), Exhibition proposal (500 words max), Biography (150 words max). Please do not attach any other supporting material, as it will not be taken into consideration. Submissions for the Gerard Dillon Gallery should be emailed to cniruanaidh@culturlann.ie with the subject line 'Exhibition Programme Dillon Gallery'. Submissions for the Ballaí Bana Gallery should be emailed to cniruanaidh@culturlann.ie with the subject line 'Exhibition Programme Ballaí Bana Gallery'. Only emailed submissions will be accepted. Submissions with missing information or in the incorrect format will be deemed ineligible.