Homestead Galleries

Call for Exhibition Proposals

Exhibition proposals for 2026 are now open and close on Monday 30 June, 11.59pm

The Corban Estate Arts Centre's public Homestead Galleries presents a high-quality and engaging exhibition program that showcases both locally and nationally recognised artists, curators, and creatives. These exhibitions feature a wide range of visual art mediums that respond to contemporary, historical, social, and cultural themes, representing a diverse array of artistic perspectives. The annual exhibition program also connects with various regional and local arts and cultural events. Additionally, exhibitions are complemented by a full range of free public programs, including artist talks, exhibition tours, and art workshops.

Submitting an exhibition proposal –
Every year, Homestead Galleries opens a round of Exhibition Proposals to ensure that all artists, curators, and creatives have an opportunity to submit their work for consideration by our Curator and Exhibitions Manager. We accept proposals from practitioners of any artistic discipline, whether individually or in groups, with a higher priority given to emerging and mid-career artists, curators, and creatives. We seek proposals that foster dialogue, expand and diversify audiences, and contribute to a vibrant art community.

Proposals must be recieved by Monday 30 June, 11.59pm and will be responded to within 6 weeks of the proposal deadline. Please direct all enquiries to the Curator and Exhibitions Manager, Java Bentley at curator@ceac.org.nz.

Proposal Requirements –
We ask that you email your proposal to our Curator and Exhibitions Manager in a single PDF file that includes the following contents, along with supporting images and links:

• A cover letter including all contact details.
• A detailed outline of the exhibition concept, key themes, media used, an indication of your target audience, and ideas for a related public engagement program or technical workshop.
• Description and images of the works you intend to exhibit or examples of relevant previous works, including the size of the exhibition, size and number of artworks. (Maximum of 4-5 images)
• A concise CV for all participating artists (maximum of 2 pages per CV)
• Possible dates for the exhibition: When is your proposed exhibition available, and does it relate to a specific event or festival?

Please note: We understand that the exhibition proposal process is often tricky and time-consuming, so we are committed to minimising barriers where necessary. Not only do we encourage early-career artists, curators and creatives to apply but we also welcome any questions they may have regarding the process. Please email in the first instance.

Gallery Spaces –
The Homestead Galleries are located at the heart of Corban Estate Arts Centre in the original Homestead of the Corban family who lived on the estate when it was operating as a winery. The Homestead is a Heritage building finished in 1923 and includes three exhibition spaces: Gallery One, Gallery Two and Gallery Three. (Galleries Two and Three are connected through an open doorway and are typically used as one conjoining exhibition space). 

Please find a floor plan of the complete upper Homestead here.
Measurements for each gallery space:
Gallery One |  Gallery Two |  Gallery Three

If you have an indication of which space you would prefer for your proposed exhibition, please mention this in your proposal.

What We Offer –

• Curatorial guidance to develop your exhibition
• On-site technician for installation and de-installation
• Inclusion in the CEAC marketing strategy and promotion to our community
• Opening Reception (including food and drinks)
• Carefully designed gallery programming specific to your exhibition
• Design, production, and distribution of exhibition catalogues
• Opportunity to sell your works if desired (Note: there is a 33.3% + GST commission on sales)
• No exhibition charges, but an artist gratuity for you