Guidance for Artists Applying to PICES Exhibitions

Applying to exhibit your work can feel both exciting and uncertain. It’s a journey filled with possibilities.

One of the most common questions we hear from artists is:

What is the curator really looking for?

To support artists in preparing their submissions, we’re pleased to share insights from our Curator, Warren Nichols. He offers guidance on both the Small Works Exhibition and the Contempora Exhibitions.

Small Works – An Open Invitation

First introduced as part of PICES Summer Exhibitions in 2024, the Small Works exhibition exemplifies PICES's aim to bring contemporary art to the community. We invite artists, whether new, mid-career, or experienced, to participate in a scintillating visual display of works with no pre-determined subject, genre, or medium.

The only condition is that the artworks must be no greater than 50 x 50cm (2D) or 50 x 50 x 25cm (3D).

This exhibition has become increasingly popular among artists and art lovers alike. Each year, around 45-50 artists collectively showcase up to 150 artworks, hung in an art salon manner. The salon-style display of such a variety of small artworks creates a vibrant visual experience.

Artworks are not grouped by artist but rather by what creates the desired effect. Shared colour, subject, size, and shape all become curatorial considerations in this unique presentation. Since this exhibition is open entry, there is no pre-selection of artworks, and there is no limit on the number of artists who can apply. Each artist can submit a maximum of three artworks. We invite artists to submit their applications for the PICES 2026 Small Works exhibition.

Contempora 1 & 2 Exhibitions – Expressions of Interest

“Beauty is the mystery of life; it’s not in the eye, it’s in my mind,” declared acclaimed American painter Agnes Martin (1912 – 2004).

PICES echoes such sentiments with its efforts to introduce a high standard of contemporary art to the Bass Coast community and visitors through the Contempora exhibitions. The Contempora 1 and 2 exhibitions offer artists the chance to showcase a cohesive body of 3 to 6 artworks within a curated exhibition.

Frequently, upon entering an art exhibition, a specific artwork captures one's attention. What attracts the viewer to that piece?

Is it the subject, composition, colour, originality, or the technical and intellectual prowess of the artwork? Or is it the overall emotive impact that Martin alludes to?

While some may argue that choosing artwork for an exhibition is subjective, the aim of any curator or selection panel is to showcase pieces that inspire contemplation, reflection, and possibly challenge the viewer. This serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists.

For a group exhibition featuring multiple artists, consideration must also be given to how an artist’s work complements that of their co-exhibiting artists. Choosing and showcasing artists for an exhibition offers stimulating and inspiring reflections. Artists are encouraged to submit their Expressions of Interest to participate in the PICES 2027 Contempora exhibition.

The Importance of Your Submission

Every submission is an opportunity — not just to exhibit, but to contribute to a broader conversation through your work. We encourage artists to take the time to consider not only the individual strength of each artwork but also how their work fits within a wider exhibition context.

Think about the story you want to tell. Each piece you create adds to the narrative of contemporary art. Your unique perspective can resonate with others, sparking dialogue and connection.

As you prepare your submission, remember that your creativity is a gift. Share it with us! We look forward to seeing the diversity, creativity, and vision that artists bring to the PICES exhibition program.

Warren Nichols

Curator, Phillip Island Contemporary Exhibition Space (PICES)