Shelter is a housing and homelessness charity that campaigns for tenant rights in Great Britain. 1.2 million households are currently stuck on social housing waiting lists, and the number of children living in temporary accommodation is the highest ever recorded. Thousands more people are forced to sleep on the streets. We exist to defend the right to a safe home because home is everything. What does the housing emergency look like for you? What does home mean to you? What do you think the government should be doing to help you achieve this?

Shelter Sheffield Hub invites submissions for an exhibition and campaigning event to be held on September 12th, 2024, at Crookes Social Club (Sheffield) to raise awareness of the UK housing emergency.

Alongside the artworks, the event will feature music, food, spoken word, and fundraising. 

We’ll be accepting submissions from artists based in the UK, both established and emerging, working in all media and styles (including sculpture, audio-visual, poetry, photography, digital, sound-based, textiles, drawing, painting, print etc).

We’re interested in hearing from artists who address issues related to the UK housing emergency, whether it be from an economic, political, socially engaged or individual perspective.

As an artist, how will I benefit? 

This highly publicised event aims to use art as a vehicle for raising awareness of the UK housing emergency.

As well as providing excellent exposure for your artwork, this event is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with us and support our movement for change.

There is also the opportunity to sell your artwork and the option to donate a percentage of the sale to Shelter (at the artist's discretion).  

Who will attend the event?

Politicians, local and national press, local and national charities, the general public, and other artists.  

What is the selection process?

A small team at Shelter Sheffield Hub and Stu Burke will select the artworks.

Who will curate the exhibition? 

Stu Burke.

Stu Burke is an artist who explores the limitations of what painting and sculpture can be.

He is also a curator and co-director of GLOAM Gallery (Sheffield), with over 10 years of curatorial experience.

His most recent exhibitions include Yellow June (Juin Jaune) at GLOAM Gallery, 2024, Material Action at GLOAM Gallery. 2023 and GLOAM at Two Queens, Leicester, 2023.

Application process:

FREE TO APPLY. Closing date: 31st July 2024, 5 pm.

Successful applicants will be notified via email shortly after the deadline.

IMPORTANT: While the exhibition team will do their utmost to ensure the safety and invigilation of the artworks, they cannot assume responsibility for any loss or damage.

Please note, artists will be responsible for the delivery and collection of their work.