The Artists’ Marquee
OPEN CALL
The Artists’ Marquee team welcomes applications from artists and makers that would like to exhibit with us in 2024, and November 2023.
The largest event we organise each year takes place across the first 4 weekends in July. By responding to this Open Call you will be expressing an interest in that event in particular. For artists that are successful there may be additional opportunities to show with us throughout the year, for example our easter and winter shows.
Upcoming exhibitions include:
2023 Winter show:
November 25-26, Grantchester. We have a very limited number of places remaining. Please indicate if you would also like to be considered for this opportunity in your general expression of interest. (See guidance to applicants below.)
2024 Summer show:
First 4 weekends of July, during and in association with Cambridge Open Studios. Up to 9 artists will be allocated spaces each weekend (a different grouping of exhibitors each week*) within a vintage marquee at Burwash Manor. This open call will identify the exhibitors to be included at this event in 2024**. (See guidance to applicants below.)
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*In 2023 19 artists featured at the event across 4 weekends.
**Selection of exhibitors takes place this far in advance in line with the Cambridge Open Studios participant deadlines. See cambridgeopenstudios.co.uk for more information about the Cambridgeshire-wide event.
2024 Summer artist residencies (NEW!):
From Monday to Friday during July the Marquee at Burwash Manor is usually empty of exhibitions or activity. We’d like to change that this year and give artists and makers the opportunity to work and/or exhibit in the tent during the week. Please send us a proposal with your general expression of interest if you would like to be considered for this. (See guidance to applicants below.)
2024 Spring show:
April 2024, Pitt Building, Central Cambridge. Those confirmed as Artists' Marquee exhibitors for summer 2024, as a result of this open call, will receive priority access to the selection process for this event. Please indicate if you would also like to be considered for this opportunity in your general expression of interest. (See guidance to applicants below.)
2024 Winter show:
November, venue TBC. Previous venues have included Burwash Manor, Grantchester, and central Cambridge. Those confirmed as Artists' Marquee exhibitors for summer 2024, as a result of this open call, will receive priority access to the selection process for this event.
GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS
Please submit the following information to our team by filling out the application form below or email artistsmarquee@gmail.com
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Name
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Contact details (email and phone)
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Website
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Instagram or other social media
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A short statement about your work
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Up to 3 images of your work
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Confirmation of your interest in exhibiting with the Artists’ Marquee during:
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November 2023 (2023 winter show)
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April 2024 (spring show)
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July 2024 (2024 summer show)
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Residency proposal (optional): A short description of how you would like to use the space in the marquee during the week. This could include but is not limited to creating and exhibiting work, demonstrations, holding workshops or creative drop-in sessions. Please also state how many days you would like to be working in the space. Available dates will be Monday to Friday 1 – 5 July; 8 – 9 July; 15 – 19 July; 21 – 26 July. Please note that we advise setting up and taking down all work/equipment each morning and evening as the site is not secure overnight.
Timescales:
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Open call: October 2023
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Deadline for submissions: Sunday 29 October 2023
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Selection decisions confirmed by 1 November 2023***
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***Individual exhibitors may choose to sign up for their own entry in the Cambridge Open Studios guide and website; the deadline for this is usually end of December.
About the Artists' Marquee
The Artists’ Marquee group is a member of Cambridge Open Studios and Indie Cambridge.
We are a selective collective of artists, designers and craftspeople exhibiting annually at Burwash Manor, Cambridgeshire, in addition to other venues. The group was established by Cambridgeshire-based creatives keen to exhibit their work and provide a platform for other local artists and makers.
Each year a central team selects a variety of exhibitors from a wide range of local artists and makers who apply to join the group.
During the first 4 weekends in July, as part of Cambridge Open Studios, visitors can see a different mix of work from 9 of our 19+ exhibitors ranging from painting, photography, prints, illustration, jewellery, sculpture, and more! A supportive partnership with fellow Indie Cambridge member Burwash Manor provides a wonderful venue in the form of a vintage marquee positioned next to the delectable Burwash Larder, with access to ample parking and facilities for visitors. Typically we will work with up to 2 dozen artists, scheduling a different mix of 9 people to be exhibiting each weekend.
The group occasionally arranges additional shows, for example in 2024 there will be easter and winter shows.
Selection criteria and decisions
There is no formal selection criteria and we are open to applications from all artists, designers and crafts people who are interested in exhibiting their work with us. Selection decisions are informed by the overall balance of types of work to ensure variety, consistent quality of work, and personal and professional demeanour. We regret that due to the volume of applications we are unable to give feedback on individual applications. If you have been unsuccessful in applying to us previously, please don’t be discouraged from applying again.
We’re a friendly group who enjoy working closely together on events that are welcoming for our visitors and our exhibitors. We’d love to learn more about you and your work.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Artists’ Marquee!