The Shutter Room Gallery

Call for Exhibition Proposals – 2026 Calendar

The Shutter Room Collective invites proposals from curators, artists and photographers working in contemporary or traditional photographic practice.

We welcome proposals for:

• Solo exhibitions

• Group exhibitions

• Residencies or project-based exhibitions

You can browse past exhibitions and projects here: past exhibitions

Proposal deadline: 5pm, Monday 15 December 2025
Proposals will be reviewed by the Exhibitions Committee, and applicants will be notified within three weeks of the deadline.

Proposals are welcome from individuals or groups. We encourage bold, thoughtful, and creative submissions that engage with our kaupapa:

To support and promote photographic practice in our region.

The Exhibition Space

The Shutter Room Collective and Gallery (TSRC) is located behind the Old Library in the busy Rust Ave library precinct, Whangārei.

• Approximate gallery size: 6.5m x 5m (see attached floor plan)

• Wall colours: white and dark grey

• Standard exhibition hanging and installation methods are used.

• There are six power sockets in the gallery for video or media work.

• TSRC opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, or by arrangement.

Public Engagement

We encourage exhibitors to:

• Hold an opening event

• Consider additional public activities such as artist talks, workshops, walkthroughs, or panel discussions.

Dates and Times

• Exhibitions usually run for approximately one calendar month.

• Dates are negotiable.

• The available exhibition months for 2026 are March to November.

• We can accommodate up to nine exhibitions within this period.

Artists Will Receive

• Proposal development support, if needed

• Curatorial guidance

• Installation support

• Logistical support for openings and public events

• Promotion via The Shutter Room website and social media channels

• With notice, we may be able to supply a letter of support for sponsorship or project funding applications related to your exhibition.

Application Requirements

1. Working title for exhibition / project

2. Curator / organiser / main contact

(For group exhibitions, we require a single main contact.)

• Name:

• Postal address:

• Email:

• Phone:

3. Describe your idea

Please submit a 500–1,000 word proposal that:

• Clearly describes your exhibition or project, and

• Explains how it aligns with our kaupapa – in particular, how it engages with photography or the photographic process.

Please save this as a Word document or PDF, titled:
yourname_project_title

You may also submit up to 5 images or video links that represent your practice and indicate the kind of work you intend to exhibit.

4. Exhibiting artist(s)

For each artist or photographer involved, please include:

• A relevant CV

• A short bio (up to 300 words)

• Images of work, or links to work online, that support your proposal

5. Preferred dates

Please indicate your preferred month(s) for your exhibition or project within the March–November 2026 calendar.

Costs to Exhibit

• Group exhibition fee: $210

• Solo exhibition fee: $100

A $50 deposit is required within one month of signing the exhibition contract to secure your booking.

Exhibition fees are reviewed annually and contribute directly to our operating costs. If you require support with funding, please reach out — we are happy to discuss options.

We require all exhibitors to:

• Be current members of The Shutter Room Collective

• Complete and sign an Exhibition Contract

Annual membership: $30
This fee supports operational costs such as rent and insurance.

Openings, Publications, and Funding

Opening events and any publications (e.g. catalogues) are the responsibility of the artist/curator. The TSRC team will assist with event logistics where possible.

We encourage artists to seek funding to cover production and project costs.

TSRC can:

• Provide letters confirming your planned exhibition, and

• Offer feedback on funding applications, provided we have sufficient notice.

Please contact us as early as possible if you think you will need this support.

Key Dates

• Proposal deadline: 5pm, Monday 15 December 2025

• Notification: within three weeks of the deadline

• Exhibition calendar: March – November 2026

Questions?

If you have any questions, or if you have an idea that needs support to develop into a full proposal, please get in touch.

Email: theshutterroom.exhibitions@gmail.com

We encourage you to visit the gallery and familiarise yourself with the space before submitting your proposal.

If your proposal is successful, you will be invited to meet with us to plan and finalise the details. This will include completing an Exhibition Contract.

Ngā mihi,

Angela Rowe & Chloe Mannix
Shutter Room Exhibitions Team 2026
The Shutter Room Gallery, Rust Ave, Whangārei