We opened the first gallery in August 2020 at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, exhibiting work by professional artists and members of hospital staff. We now have 3 gallery spaces across the Sheffield Teaching Hospital sites and are looking for a new exhibition to be hung in Spring 2025. Artworks can be offered for sale. We ask for a 20% commission of sales to the Arts in Health fund managed by Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

We are looking for artists and groups to display 2D artwork in our gallery spaces at the Northern General Hospital and Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The proposed date of the exhibition is March 2025. The artwork must be selected and ready for framing by January 2025.

We strongly encourage artists from all backgrounds and identities, especially those based in or connected to South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, to apply for this opportunity.

The aims of the exhibition program are to:

• Enhance the hospital environment for patients, visitors, and staff by making it feel brighter and more welcoming.
• Help patients and visitors feel more relaxed by displaying beautiful, calming, and interesting artworks.
• Provide artists the opportunity to exhibit their work professionally in a busy public space.

We’re looking for 2D artwork that:

• Is connected to the theme of nature, landscapes, or wildlife.
• Has an uplifting, positive feel.
• Appeals to a wide audience.
• Is sensitive to its setting and the people who view it; as such, it should not offend or upset, and the subject matter should not refer to illness or death.

Depending on the size of the artworks, there is space to hang around 36 pictures. The maximum height for an artwork is 100 cm, and the maximum weight per 2 m rail is 80 kg.

Please be aware that we are looking for artists who are able to deliver several artworks to fill the available space. 

The exhibition duration is 6 months in each of the three galleries, totaling 18 months (this will be confirmed in the agreement). During the exhibition, the artworks cannot be removed.

Framing:

Please note that glass is not permitted within our hospitals. Pictures must be framed using a fire-safe, 0-grade polycarbonate substitute that can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Wooden frames are also not permitted for fire safety reasons; frames must have an aluminium profile.

The artwork will be hung using our secure hang/lock system, so the back of each piece should be fitted with the appropriate fittings.

All artwork must be framed according to the guidelines above; therefore, the Trust will take responsibility for framing the artwork, with the understanding that when the exhibition is finished, the frames will remain the property of the Trust.

Any work sold will be sold without the frame.

A list of works (with the price of each work if it is for sale) should be sent to the Arts Coordinator before the agreed exhibition start date.

No work shall be priced in excess of £5,000. The artist should ensure that the work is insured during transportation and the exhibition period.

Commission:

There is no charge for using the space. Should anyone wish to purchase the artwork on display, the buyer will contact the artist directly to arrange payment and collection/delivery after the exhibition period has ended.

If an artwork is sold, the artist should inform the Arts Coordinator, and a red dot will be placed next to the sold artwork. The artist should keep a record of works sold and details of buyers.

A commission of 20% of the sale price can be made directly to the Arts in Health Department via Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

To apply to exhibit:

We welcome applications from both individual artists and groups of artists.

Please provide a short biography (250 words max.) and a proposal (250 words max.) with examples of the work you intend to display. Include your contact details, website, and/or social media information so we can see your work and get in touch.

Tell us the number of artworks you wish to exhibit and their framed size.

Confirm that you have insurance to cover your work while in transport and on display during the exhibition period.

Selection:

The Gallery Selection Team will review the applications and select candidates based on the strength of their application and the information provided.

Expenses:

If needed, we are willing to help with travel expenses of up to £50.

Important information:

Preference will be given to artists from around Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and Derbyshire.