NWU Gallery invites artists, curators and arts professionals to submit exhibition proposals for its 2027–2030 programme in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
16 September 2026
Open Call:
NWU Gallery invites exhibition proposals for its 2027–2030 programme.
The open call seeks projects that challenge and inspire audiences, address contemporary concerns, expand artistic discourse and encourage meaningful public engagement.
Proposals may be submitted for exhibitions at the NWU Gallery, NWU Botanical Garden Gallery or designated outdoor exhibition spaces at North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus.
The gallery welcomes proposals for both existing exhibitions and new work not yet created. Applicants proposing new work must provide a clear description of the proposed project and its development plan.
Institutional Context:
NWU Gallery is one of North-West University’s cultural and intellectual platforms. Its programme includes exhibitions, educational initiatives, workshops, public events, research projects, residencies and community collaborations.
As an academic gallery, NWU Gallery works across art, knowledge production and public engagement, serving students, staff, alums, local communities and the broader public.
The gallery states that its programme aims to support artistic voices, research, learning and social engagement while creating opportunities for cultural exchange.
Eligibility & Criteria:
Applications are open to:
- Solo artists and group exhibitions
- Emerging, mid-career and established artists
- Art historians
- Curators
- Arts professionals
- Collectors
- Artist collectives
- Arts societies and organisations
Applicants must submit:
- A completed NWU Gallery Exhibition Application Form
- An artist CV and profile/biography, including previous exhibitions, residencies and awards
- An exhibition proposal of no more than three pages
- High-quality images of the artworks proposed for exhibition, with file names corresponding to the artwork details
Proposals for new, as-yet-uncreated work are also eligible, provided they include a clear description and development plan.
A selection panel reviews applications, and its decisions are final. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Practical Information:
Opportunity: NWU Gallery Exhibition Open Call
Programme: 2027–2030
Location: NWU Gallery, NWU Botanical Garden Gallery and outdoor exhibition spaces, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, South Africa
Application deadline: 2 October 2026
Application fee: Not specified
Exhibition venue: Provided at no cost
Gallery support includes:
- Basic security and cleaning within the allocated exhibition budget
- Joint marketing and promotion
- Invitation design and distribution of a media release
- Coordination of educational programmes, where applicable
- Installation and opening costs, subject to agreement
- Insurance of artworks while on display, according to the university’s insurance policy
The gallery does not pay curator or exhibition coordination fees.
Exhibitors are responsible for transporting artworks to and from the gallery, transit insurance, additional insurance where required, providing a press release and high-resolution images at least four weeks before the exhibition opening, and any additional security or cleaning requirements.
Selected exhibitors must also present a free public walkabout, artist talk or workshop related to the exhibition.
Applications & Queries:
Applications should be submitted by email to gallery@nwu.ac.za with the subject line:
“NWU Gallery Exhibition Open Call Application”
Accepted file formats are Word, PDF, JPG and PowerPoint. Applicants should not use time-sensitive file-sharing platforms to submit materials.
Direct all enquiries to gallery@nwu.ac.za or (018) 299 4341.
Application deadline: 2 October 2026.
Refer to the official website for more information.
