fifty squared ART PRIZE
24 june–7 july 2023

Join us for our Fifty Squared Art Prize, Australia's largest open-call art prize for 2D works measuring 50x50cm or less.
The Fifty Squared Art Prize showcases artists at all stages of their career, from emerging to established, practicing throughout Australia and beyond. All 2D mediums are on display including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, weaving and more.
All entries are exhibited to the public from the 24 June to 7 July with winners announced on Friday 30 June at 6pm (online).
Celebrating our sixth year and attracting hundreds of artists and thousands of gallery visitors to its showcase exhibition, this is an event not to be missed!
PRIZES
Over $8000 in prizes to be awarded, including
$4000 Cash Prize (Non-Acquisitive).
As selected by the judging panel.
$1000 Cash Prize (Non-Acquisitive).
As selected by the judging panel.
A solo exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery in 2023-2024.
As selected by Brunswick Street Gallery's curatorial team.
$500 voucher for art materials, stretching, canvas and linen.
Awarded by CHAPMAN & BAILEY.
$400 voucher for framing services.
Awarded by PRINTMAKER GALLERY.
As chosen by popular vote by our local community and visitors to the Prize.
The winner will recieve an Artist's Art Materials pack from Derivan Arts.
Awarded by our audience and supported by DERIVAN ARTS.
All artworks entered will be displayed to the public from 24 June–7 July 2023.

Joining our Judging Panel this year is MEG SLATER (she/they), Curator, International Exhibition Projects department at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
Since 2017, Meg has worked on a number of the NGV’s major international exhibitions, including MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art,French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the forthcoming Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi. Meg was also one of the five curators who organised QUEER: Stories from the NGV Collection (2022), the most historically expansive thematic presentation of its kind ever presented by an Australian art institution.
In 2021, Meg completed a Master of Art Curatorship at the University of Melbourne with First Class Honours. Meg's thesis explored the potential for large arts institutions to more meaningfully engage with marginal subjects and histories through exhibition making and programming.
INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS
EXHIBITION DATES
24 June–7 July 2023
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CELEBRATION EVENT
Friday 30 June 2023, 6–9PM
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WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
Friday 30 June 2023, 6PM (online and at Celebration Event).
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DROP OFF/DELIVERY DATES
In person: Friday 16 June and Saturday 17 June 2023, 10AM–6PM.
By post/courier: 5 June–16 June 2023.
Please note: Works cannot be accepted outside of these dates and late arrivals may not be exhibited.
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COURIER RETURN REQUESTS
Submitted to gallery by: Sunday 2 July 2023, 6PM.
Courier Request Form can be found HERE
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COLLECTION OF UNSOLD ARTWORKS POST EXHIBITION
In person: Saturday 8 July and Sunday 9 July, 10AM–6PM.
Failure to collect works on the designated days may result in a storage fee. Works not collected more than 30 days past these dates without prior arrangement may be disposed of.
Artworks will be assessed by one or more of the following criteria:
- Evidence of exceptional technical skill.
- Aesthetically outstanding.
- Clear, concise concept.
- Innovative approach to your chosen medium.
The decision of the judges is final.
GUEST JUDGE: Meg Slater, Curator, International Exhibition Projects department, National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
ENTERING
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HOW DO I ENTER?
In order to take part in the Prize you will need to complete an Entry Form, and pay your Entry Fee for the number of artworks you are entering. You can access the entry form below.
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HOW DO I PAY MY ENTRY FEE?
Once your entry form is filled out, you will need to pay for your entries. You can add this to your cart, where you can securely check out using a credit card. Please ensure you select the correct amount of entries (per artwork). International entrants are encouraged to get in touch if they have any issues with processing their payment.
If you have not received an Order Confirmation email, your entry has not been paid for.
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HOW DO I KNOW MY ENTRY IS CONFIRMED?
Our team combs through all entries to ensure we have received all the correct information from you. From there, we will send you a Submission Confirmation from us when this has been done (or, a request for additional information). If you have not received a Submission Confirmation email from us, your entry has not been received. Due to the large volume of entries we receive, your Submission Confirmation email can take up to 5 business days to be sent to you.
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WHAT IS THE INFORMATION I SUPPLY USED FOR?
The entry form is used to ensure that all details relating to your work are correct and accurate as supplied by the artist.
This information is used strictly only by Gallery staff for Fifty Squared Art Prize and will not be passed on to any third parties or used for any other purpose. Your supplied address will only be used in the event of booking courier return and your supplied bank details are used only in the event of an artwork sale.
The Artwork Statements will be used in the judging process. Due to the volume of works, these statements will not be displayed with the artworks, though will provide helpful content for our staff to answer any questions visitors or our guest judges may have about your work.
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I'VE MISSED THE ENTRY DEADLINE, CAN I STILL ENTER?
Unfortunately, once deadline has passed we will not accept any additional entries for Fifty Squared Art Prize.
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I NEED TO AMEND SOMETHING IN MY FORM. CAN I EDIT MY SUPPLIED INFORMATION ONCE IT IS SUBMITTED?
We request that information is correct and accurate upon filling out your Entry Form, however if you need to edit or amend any information you can get in touch by emailing team@brunswickstreetgallery.com.au. No amendments to any information will be available after 17 June 2023.
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DOES THE ARTWORK NEED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE ENTRY DEADLINE?
The artwork does not need to be ready for exhibition by the final date of entry deadline. The deadline is for entering the prize show only, and works will only need to be fully completed and exhibition ready (see below for what we consider ‘ready to hang’) by the Artwork Drop Off dates.
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ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
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DOES MY ARTWORK NEED TO BE SQUARE?
No. Artworks can be any 2D shape, as long as they measure UNDER 50x50CM ON ALL SIDES. Ie: a 35x15cm work is eligible, a 10x10cm work is eligible, etc.
Please note – works must measure no longer than 50cm Height X Width.
Example: if a square canvas is to be hung in a diamond orientation ensure that its HxW is less than 50cm as your height would be determined then by diameter at that orientation.
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MY ARTWORK IS OVER 50CM ON ONE OR MORE SIDES. CAN I STILL ENTER IT?
Any artworks that measure over 50cm on any side will unfortunately not be eligible for entry into the art prize. This INCLUDES your framing, so whether you have bought your framing yourself, or if you are having them done so professionally, we implore you ensure you keep within these specifications. The ONLY exception to this rule is works on pre-stretched, industry standard canvas, measuring at 20 inch (50.8cm) on any side (but must be presented unframed).
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DOES MY ARTWORK NEED TO BE FRAMED?
Brunswick Street Gallery will accept unframed works. Any works that are unframed must either be affixed with hanging tabs prior to installation by the artist, or the artist must give permission for the works to be (discreetly) pinned through the corners.
Work needs to arrive at the gallery ready to hang, which includes framed works with wire, d-ring or sawtooth fixtures on the back to hang, or works on paper that can be pinned through/have adhesive tabs affixed to them. Double sided tape or 3M fasteners will not be accepted for installation as changes in humidity cause it to lose its adhesive qualities, resulting in artwork damage.
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I HAVE A DIPTYCH/TRIPYCH/MULTIPLE WORKS FROM A SERIES I WOULD LIKE TO ENTER AS ONE ARTWORK, WITH ONE ENTRY FEE. IS THIS ALLOWED?
Artists can enter multiple works (such as a diptych) as a single work if they are approved by Prize staff and adhere to the following:
- All components/artworks, when installed together as a whole, measure under 50x50cm. Any works that measure over this will be treated as multiple works.
- All components/artworks must be listed as a single price and will not be sold separately.
- All components/artworks must be listed as a single work (with a single title) and will not be labelled separately.
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I HAVE SPECIFIC INSTALLATION/CURATORIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MY ARTWORK. WILL THIS BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT?
Brunswick Street Gallery will do its best to cater to all specific installation requirements, however due to the volume of works received with each prize show, artwork will be curated strictly at the gallery’s discretion.
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WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "READY TO HANG"?
Work needs to arrive at the gallery ready to hang, which includes framed works with wire, d-rings or sawtooth fixtures on the back to hang, or works on paper that can be pinned through/have adhesive tabs affixed to them.
Brunswick Street Gallery will not accept works that we deem not “ready to hang”. This includes:
- Paintings that are not wholly dry on the Drop Off day. There will be no allowance for the drying of works in the lead up to install.
- Works using unsuitable materials to hang, such as string, double-sided tape or no hanging mechanism at all.
- Frames that we believe will not stand to be hung for the duration of the exhibition.
- Artworks that when installed may cause damage to other artworks.
- Works relying on double-sided tape or 3M fasteners for their installation. Double sided tape will not be accepted for installation as changes in humidity cause it to lose its adhesive qualities, resulting in artwork damage.
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I HAVE A CERAMIC/SCULPTURAL WORK I'D LIKE TO SUBMIT. WILL YOU ACCEPT 3D WORKS?
Fifty Squared Art Prize is for 2D artworks, however Brunswick Street Gallery will accept sculptural works if they are:
- Able to be hung on the wall
- The depth does not exceed that of a standard framed work/canvas work.
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DOES MY ARTWORK NEED TO BE FOR SALE?
Your artwork does not need to be available for sale. When prompted to put a price in the Artwork Details section of the entry form, simply put NFS (Not For Sale).
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WHAT IS ACCEPTED:
- Unframed 2D artworks that measure below 50cm on all sides.
- Framed artworks that measure below 50cm on all sides including the frame.
- Rounded artworks that measure below 50cm in diameter.
- Diptychs, Triptychs, or series that when hung, measure below 50cm on all sides. Must be sold for a single price under a single artwork listing.
- Sculptural works if they are:
- Able to be hung on the wall
- The depth does not exceed that of a standard framed work/canvas work.
WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTED:
- Unframed 2D artworks that measure above 50cm on any side.
- Framed artworks that measure above 50cm on any side INCLUDING the frame.
- Rounded artworks that measure above 50cm in diameter.
- Diptychs, Triptychs, or series that when hung, measure above 50cm on any sides. Must be sold separately under multiple entries.
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ARTWORK DROP OFF & COLLECTION
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WHAT ARE THE ARTWORK DROP OFF DATES?
Artwork can be dropped off in person or by a proxy on FRIDAY 16 JUNE AND SATURDAY 17 JUNE 2023, BETWEEN 10AM–6PM.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FOR A DROP OFF?
The Drop Off process and requirements are as follows:
- When you visit Brunswick Street Gallery to drop off your work, you must check in with Gallery Staff so we can tick you off in our database.
- All works must be labelled clearly on the back of each artwork so we can keep track of your work and its correct artwork name. Please ensure this is done before you drop off the work as we will not have labels available to do so on these days. Unlabelled works will not be exhibited.
- Ensure all framed works are wired and ready to hang or have a d-ring or sawtooth fixture on the back. We will not accept works that rely on double-sided tape or 3M tabs to install.
- Ensure that unframed works are affixed with tabs to pin through upon drop off, or we will pin through the corners of your artwork for installation. We will not accept works that rely on double-sided tape or 3M tabs to install.
- We recommend a light layer of bubble left on your artwork for drop off so they are safe at drop off and in storage. Please note that it is not possible for gallery staff to reallocate packaging materials at collection and will not retain any bubble wrap or packaging on behalf of artists.
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WHAT ARE THE ARTWORK COLLECTION DATES?
Artwork must be collected on SATURDAY 8 JULY AND SUNDAY 9 JULY 2023, BETWEEN 10AM–6PM.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FOR ARTWORK COLLECTION?
The Artwork Collection process and requirements are as follows:
- When you visit Brunswick Street Gallery to collect your work, you must check in with Gallery Staff so we can tick you off in our database and locate your work.
- ID must be presented to collect artworks. No artwork will be released without verification of ownership or proof of identity.
- Collection Proxies: If you need to arrange a proxy to collect your work, their name will need to be emailed in advance to the gallery and their ID sighted before your work will be released to them.
- There will be no bubble wrap and tape on site to package your works. We cannot re-allocate materials dropped off with artworks. There will be no boxes, bags or tubes available on site for transport, so we recommend you bring any additional materials with you on the day as you require.
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I CANNOT MAKE THE DESIGNATED ARTWORK DROP OFF/COLLECTION DAY. ARE THERE ANY ALLOWANCES?
Unfortunately due to the volume of entries we receive with each prize show, works must be received on the designated Artwork Drop Off days (in person) or by the specified Arrival by post deadline. Any late entries will not be accepted and your exhibition fee will not be refunded.
If you are unable to collect your works on the designated Artwork Collection days, you are encouraged to get in touch with us by 2 July 2023 to enquire about having the work returned to you via courier. Works not collected on the designated Collection days will be charged a late storage fee, and if still not collected 30 days after the end of Fifty Squared Art Prize may be destroyed.
To request for a courier return, please fill out THIS FORM.
If you need to arrange a proxy to collect your work, their name will need to be emailed in advance to the gallery and their ID sighted before your work will be released to them.
Important: Works will not be released to artists collecting in person without proof of identity.
All important dates will be emailed to you upon application, and can also be found listed above, in the Terms & Conditions contained in your entry form and stated on the website. It is the artist’s responsibility to make note of these dates and the gallery is not responsible for reminders.
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WILL YOU STORE ARTWORK PACKAGING?
Brunswick Street Gallery will NOT store packaging for artists dropping off in person. Brunswick Street Gallery will only store packaging for works sent by post or courier to the gallery. We will not be responsible for re-allocating bubble wrap, packaging, plastic covers bags or cardboard for works dropped off in person at the Artwork Collection. Artists are encouraged to take their packaging back with them at Artwork Drop Off so they have it ready for its collection on the other side of the exhibition.
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I LIVE INTERSTATE. WILL YOU ACCEPT ENTRIES VIA POST? HOW WILL YOU RETURN MY ARTWORK?
We can accept entries via post. Works arriving by post can be sent to arrive between 5 JUNE–16 JUNE 2023.
Please package securely in materials suitable to be reused for its return.
At exhibition’s end the artwork will be returned to the artist via courier. We will package the works (using the artist’s packaging wherever possible), and send an invoice for courier fees, and will send once that invoice has been paid. Return Delivery costs are at the artist’s expense. To request for a courier return, please fill out this form.
Please do not send return stamps or pre-paid postage envelopes with your artwork.
Courier costs are inclusive of insurance to the value of the artwork/s.
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PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
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WHEN ARE THE WINNERS ANNOUNCED?
Prize Announcements will be made ONLINE on our website on SATURDAY 30 JUNE 6PM.
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WHAT EVENTS WILL BE HELD?
A Fifty Squared Art Prize Celebration Event will be held on SATURDAY 30 JUNE FROM 6–8PM.
The Fifty Squared Art Prize will be open for exhibition from 24 JUNE–7 JULY 2023 with all artists and members of the public invited to attend to view artworks from hundreds of artists on display.
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BUYING ARTWORKS
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IS THERE A WAY TO PURCHASE THE ARTWORKS?
Due to the volume of artworks there is no online catalogue available for artworks in this prize. Artwork enquiries can be made via email or by calling us.
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If you have a specific question you cannot see answered here, please get in touch at team@brunswickstreetgallery.com.au
PRIZES
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Over $8000 in prizes including:
- First Prize: $4000 Cash Prize (non-acquisitive).
- Second Prize: $1000 Cash Prize (non-acquisitive).
- BSG Prize: Solo Exhibition Prize (valued at $1500), selected by Brunswick Street Gallery.
- Highly Commended Prize: $500 for art materials, canvas and stretching, awarded by Chapman & Bailey.
- Work on Paper Prize: $400 voucher for framing services, awarded by Printmaker Gallery.
- People’s Choice Award: Artist Supplies pack, awarded by Derivan.
- Plus more to be announced.
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JUDGING
Artworks will be assessed by one or more of the following criteria:
- Evidence of exceptional technical skill.
- Aesthetically outstanding.
- Clear, concise concept.
- Innovative approach to your chosen medium.
The decision of the judges is final.
JUDGE: Meg Slater, Curator, International Exhibition Projects department, National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
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GALLERY:
Brunswick Street Gallery
Level 1 and 2, 322 Brunswick Street, Wurundjeri Country, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
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APPLICATION CONDITIONS:
All artworks must measure 50x50cm or less, INCLUSIVE OF frames/display apparatus.
All artworks must be 2-Dimensional and hangable on a wall.
All entries will be exhibited during the Fifty Squared Art Prize exhibition 24 June–7 July 2023.
Entries from all levels of experience welcome.
Maximum of ten artworks per entrant.
The artwork statements are to be used for judging contention only, and will not be displayed in the exhibition.
It is the artists responsibility to ensure their artwork does not infringe on copyright.
Gallery commission on all artwork sales of 30% apply. This includes GST.
While all care is taken to ensure safety of artwork, in line with best industry practice, the gallery takes no responsibility for damaged artwork. Artists are encouraged to insure their work if they are concerned.
National and international artists welcome.
Artists must be aged 16 years and older.
The decision of the judges is final.
Copyright or licensing of each artwork must belong to the artist.
Brunswick Street Gallery will not accept content that is obscene in any way, pornographic, indecent, inflammatory, defamatory or racist to any person or group of people.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Brunswick Street Gallery reserves the right to cancel any entries or not display work that is in breach of any of the Terms and Conditions.
ENTRY:
To enter you must fill out our Entry Form
$50 per artwork (Max 10 works accepted per entrant).
All entries exhibited from 24 June–7 July 2023.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
DELIVERY OF ARTWORK:
Delivering in person: Artwork must arrive Friday 16 June & Saturday 17 June between 10am–6pm only.
Delivering by post/courier: 5–16 June 2023.
Due to storage requirements, artwork will not be received via in person drop off before 16 June.
If artwork is not delivered by these dates, it will not be included in the exhibition and fees will not be refunded.
Delivery costs are at the expense of the artist.
All artwork must arrive at the gallery ready to hang.
Packaging will not be stored by the gallery for artists dropping off works in person. Artists are responsible for bringing the appropriate packaging for transport of works upon collection.
ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS:
All artworks measure 50x50cm or less, INCLUDING frames/display apparatus.
If measuring over 50cm on ANY side AFTER FRAMING it will be ineligible for inclusion.
All artworks must be 2-Dimensional. 3D works can be included if they are able to be hung on the wall (ie, weaving, flat ceramic)
Framed:
- All framed artworks must be wired (picture hanging wire) or have d-rings attached for hanging.
Unframed:
- All unframed works will be pinned through unless alternative tabs supplied in advance. If you would prefer your work be pinned through tabs, the artist is responsible for providing and preparing works for such installation before drop off.
- If magnets are required they must be supplied by the artist.
- If your work does not have a sufficient hanging mechanism on the back that will hold the work up for the duration of the exhibition the work will not be hung and you will not be refunded your entry fee.
- Works on canvas will be hung via their stretcher frames where appropriate.
The artist's name AND title of the work MUST be written or labelled on the back of the work itself for clear identification. Unlabelled works may not be exhibited at discretion of gallery management, and in these cases the exhibition fee will not be refunded.
Artists can enter multiple works (such as a diptych or triptych) as a single work only if they are approved by Prize staff and must adhere to the following:
- All components/artworks, when installed together as a whole, measure under 50x50cm. Any works that measure over this will be treated as multiple works.
- All components/artworks must be listed as a single price and will not be sold separately.
- All components/artworks must be listed as a single work (with a single title) and will not be labelled separately.
In the event they do not meet these requirements the components must be entered as separate works with an artwork fee for each.
COLLECTION AND RETURN OF WORKS:
Artist/courier collection in person: Unsold works MUST be collected from Brunswick Street Gallery between 10am-6pm on Saturday 8 July and Sunday 9 July 2023. Work not collected by this date will be charged a $25 late fee.
Works not collected by 7 August 2023 will be disposed of.
A proxy may be nominated by the artist to collect on their behalf. Proxy’s names must be emailed to the Prize team and their matching ID must be shown to collect the artwork.
Packaging will not be stored by the gallery for artists dropping off works in person. Artists are responsible for bringing the appropriate packaging for transport of works upon collection.
Interstate and remote artists: Unsold works can be posted back to artists via courier. This is the ONLY option for postal return of works. Do not send stamps and return packaging with your artwork.
It is the artist's responsibility to contact the gallery prior to the exhibition closing date to request this service and confirm their address by Sunday 2 July 2023. Only clearly labelled packaging, appropriate for re-use, will be stored by Brunswick Street Gallery to return via courier works in. Brunswick Street Gallery will endeavour to reuse packaging wherever appropriate.
Courier returns process:
Courier return must be requested by Sunday 2 July 2023.
Once the artwork is packaged at the conclusion of exhibition, Brunswick Street Gallery will obtain a quote for courier deliver back to the artist.
Return of works via courier is at the artist's expense.
Upon payment of our return invoice, Brunswick Street will arrange for a courier to deliver the works back to the artist. If the artist wishes to make their own in person or proxy collections arrangements, they must inform the gallery before exhibition's end so it can be made ready for collection on the appropriate day.
Due to the volume of works, those returned by courier may take up to 30 days to be delivered.
If no request is made by the artist for courier return, artworks will be treated as uncollected and disposed of on the aforementioned date. You must notify Brunswick Street Gallery of your courier return details by Sunday 2 July: entering your address on your application form does not count as requesting courier return.
To request for a courier return, please fill out this form.
Sale of artworks:
30% commission on artwork sales applies. This includes GST where applicable.
In the event of a sale, the bank details supplied on your entry form will be used for payment of sales.
It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure bank details are correct at time of entry.
Artist Settlements are prepared and finalised up to 30 days after exhibition’s end.
Insurance:
While we take the utmost care of artwork, following industry best practice, Brunswick Street Gallery takes no responsibility for theft, loss or damage of artwork. It is advised that concerned artists purchase their own insurance.
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