Biophilia submission info

Open call: Biophilia Exhibition

ABOUT

BIOPHILIA* - renewable timber in art and design

Exhibition runs: 6 Nov - 13 Dec 2026

For this exhibition we are seeking works which celebrate the beauty of wood:

responses in renewable timber across art and design
wood fired ceramics and ceramics responding to nature and trees
artist responses to nature and forests with focus on sustainability in terms of mixed media and sculpture
2D responses which explore the idea of Biophilia particularly in relation to forests.
responses from First Nations artists interested in exploring the theme

*Biophilia is known as the human desire to seek connection with nature, that we have an innate affiliation with other living organisms and are drawn to environments that support human life.

This exhibition is made possible by Forestry Corporation

Image: Ileigh Hellier NAS Studio artist

KEY DATES

Submissions open: July 2026 (scroll down for submission form)

Submissions close: Midnight Tues 29th September

Selected work announced: Friday 2nd October
Delivery of artwork to NAS: 10am – 2pm Wednesday 14th Oct – Friday 16th Oct & Sunday 18th Oct 12pm – 4pm
Exhibition Opening: 6pm - 8pm Friday 6th November

Exhibition Duration: Friday 6th Nov - Sun 13 December

Collection of artwork: Sunday 13th Dec between 3pm – 4pm or 10am – 2pm Wed 16th – Fri 18th

ENTRY INFORMATION

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

Information you need prior to submissions

Artwork must respond to the theme.
All 2D and 3D media are accepted (painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital media etc)
Artwork size may be up to but not larger than 150 cm x 100 cm (including the frame), or an equivalent size/area ratio to a maximum of 1.5 square metres.
Artwork can consist of multiple parts but they must not exceed these overall size limits and must be sold as one artwork.
Please ensure all 2D works are ready to hang, with D-rings installed.
Unframed works on paper will be pinned to the wall.

HOW TO ENTER

Submissions must be made online using the form below before midnight Tuesday 29th September

A maximum of TWO artworks per artist can be submitted
A $44 submission fee shall be paid for each work. Payment is made during the online entry process
A discounted submission fee of $33 is available for current NAS members. Membership is $55 per year, if you select this discounted option and are not a current member please also sign up for a membership here: https://www.newcastleartspace.org.au/membership or you will be invoiced.
Entry receipts will be provided by email
IMPORTANT: Entry is a selective process and submission does not guarantee entry into the show.
The submission fee is non-refundable and contributes to the administration and curation of the show.

Image of your artwork

Uploaded image should be:

A minimum of 750 pixels on the shortest side
Saved in .jpg or .png format only
Preferred file size for each image is no more than 2MB
The file name must include the artist’s name and title of the work as listed on the entry form e.g.firstname_lastname_titleofwork.jpg.

Communication & privacy

Artists consent to being added to the Newcastle Art Space electronic mailing list for updates and further information on this and other exhibitions run by Newcastle Art Space. Artists details will not be shared and an unsubscribe link is provided in each email.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Submission Form

Please complete the submission form below, ensuring all details are correct.

Artwork dimensions MUST be entered in cm (not inches or mm).

Should your work be selected, your name and the artwork details you include in this submission form will be used to generate the exhibition catalogue - PLEASE ENSURE THEY ARE CORRECT and keep a record of your artwork details, as we may not be able to accommodate changes. If you wish to receive a copy of your submission please email: admin@newcastleartspace.org.au

Selection and notification

By submitting this application you are not guaranteed entry into the exhibition.

While we endeavour to be as inclusive as possible, gallery space is limited and artwork will be selected at the curator's discretion.

Artists will be notified if their work has been selected for exhibition by personal email on Thursday 2nd April 2026. The selection will also be announced via instagram and published on our website.

If you have submitted more than one work please check our website to confirm which work/s are in the exhibition.

Delivery of works

Selected artworks must be delivered to Newcastle Art Space between:

10am - 2pm Wednesday 14th October

10am - 2pm Thursday 15th October

10am - 2pm Friday 16th October

3pm - 4pm Sunday 18th October

Your work must be delivered to NAS by 4pm Sunday 18th October
Work delivered after this date may not be accepted into the show

IMPORTANT NOTE re: Delivery via Courier

If the artist wishes to deliver the work via courier freight costs and all other charges relating to delivery and collection of artworks are the sole responsibility of the artist. Artworks will not be accepted unless delivered and returned free of all freight and other charges.

Please note: Works requested to be returned via post will incur a $15 packing fee + cost of postage.

By sending your work to us via post or courier you agree to accept these conditions.

If you are selected and would like to send your artwork please follow these steps:

- You MUST use either Australia Post or Startrack Express to send your work as Australia Post may refuse deliveries from other couriers.

-The dimensions of your PACKAGED artwork must not exceed 105cm long or 25kgs.

- You must address the delivery to our PO Box address, NOT our physical gallery address.

Please address to:

PO Box 12
Waratah NSW 2298

Email: gallery@newcastleartspace.org.au
Phone: 0490 801 630

If you cannot use a PO Box when making the booking, please use this address:
Suite 12, Shop 9 91 Turton Road
Waratah, NSW 2298

-Email us to let us know you are sending the work via courier & include the tracking number if known: gallery@newcastleartspace.org.au

Work delivered via courier still needs to arrive by 4pm Sunday 18th October
Work delivered after this date may not be accepted into the show.

Insurance & indemnity

Newcastle Art Space will exercise all due care with the works submitted but will not be responsible for any loss or damage suffered whatsoever to any artwork while in transit or under its control. Each artist shall indemnify Newcastle Art Space against any loss or damage suffered to their artwork whatsoever. Each artist is responsible for their own insurance cover. By submitting this application you agree to these conditions.

Artwork requirements

Artwork delivered to Newcastle Art Space must be CLEARLY MARKED on the reverse with the artist’s name, and the title of the work).

Sales & commission

Artwork sold at Newcastle Art Space Gallery will attract a 30% commission on sales.
Current NAS members receive a discounted commission rate of 25% on artwork sales.
Sales will be processed up to 14 days after the close of the exhibition.

Photography & reproduction of artwork

All applicants authorise Newcastle Art Space formally and irrevocably, to capture and publish images of their works free of copyright, totally or partly, in all publications (catalogues, folders, posters, slide shows, brochures etc) related to promotion and documentation of this exhibition, as well as on the Newcastle Art Space website and social media.

Collection of unsold works

Works not sold during the exhibition period must be collected from Newcastle Art Space during the following times:

3pm – 4pm Sunday 13th Dec or 10am - 2pm Wed 16th - Fri 18th December

Any artwork not collected after the exhibition are liable to be stored at the artist’s expense and disposed of if not collected within a reasonable timeframe.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions regarding your entry, please get in touch with us via gallery@newcastleartspace.org.au