Exhibition Proposals
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The Library welcomes proposals for exhibitions
The Library is looking for proposals for exhibitions which relate to the Library as a concept or environment, or to the Library Collections including our Special Collections and Archives. Exhibitions usually run for a maximum of two months. Exhibitions may take place in Constance Howard Gallery, Special Collections Exhibitions Space, Buchi Emecheta Space or they may be integrated within the wider Library space, providing that they do not impact upon Library services or conflict with the display of the College Art Collection.
To make a proposal, please download and fill out the following form and e-mail to library.exhibitions (@gold.ac.uk) with a maximum of 5 images (300kb max, jpg or pdf) for consideration by the Library Exhibitions Group.
Library Exhibitions / Events Form (PDF)
Constance Howard Gallery
The Constance Howard Gallery is dedicated to exhibitions relating to Textiles and is housed in the basement of the Deptford Town Hall. The Gallery is named after Constance Howard, who established the Embroidery Department at Goldsmiths in the 1950s and was an influential figure in promoting the understanding of embroidery as an art form. In her memory, the gallery continues to support projects wish to push the boundaries of textiles. Exhibitions may relate to many disciplines including visual arts, visual cultures, anthropology, education, history and design.
The exhibition space uses a wall hanging system as it is not possible to drill or pierce the walls. Two display tables and 3 plinths are available for use. There are also two lockable cabinets outside the gallery which can be used for the exhibition or to display related material from the Goldsmiths Textile Collection. Exhibitions can run for up to a term.
Before making a proposal please book an appointment to visit the gallery and discuss possibilities by e-mailing textiles @gold.ac.uk.
Special Collections Exhibitions
The Special Collections Exhibitions Space hosts exhibitions and events which respond to one of the Library’s Special Collections and Archives. They often follow a period of research on one of our many unique and inspiring Special Collections. They may involve the curation of material from the collections and/or research outputs, experimentation or artistic responses. This includes projects at The Women’s Art Library.
The entrance lobby houses a number of display cases which are suitable for objects and books. Paper-based works can be hung on the walls of the Reading Room in acrylic display cases provided, and film can be screened on the LCD (headphones provided for sound). Exhibitions usually run for approximately one month.
Before making a proposal please make an appointment to view the space by e-mailing special.collections (@gold.ac.uk).
Buchi Emecheta Space
The Buchi Emecheta Space is on the second floor of the library and is dedicated to projects that relate to the 'Liberate Our Degree' campaign or that respond to the library or its collections.
The space is named after “Buchi” Emecheta OBE (21 July 1944–25 January 2017), a powerful and defiant Nigerian British writer. Emecheta’s writing defies easy categorization and is relevant to many communities: Womanists read her fierce motherhood and solidarity; Feminists, her bold independence. Queer readers pick up on her community building. Anti-racist activists celebrate her great pride in her culture and blackness. She is held up as a writer of both Nigerian and Black British identity and continues to inspire contemporary postcolonial writers. Bravery, outspokenness and determination shoot through her novels, plays, autobiography, children’s literature and critical writing. To honour Emecheta the library supports exhibitions that do vital liberation work or respond to expanded literary practise.
The exhibition space uses a wall hanging system and there is spot lighting installed. There are poster frames and glass cabinets available to display material. Exhibitions can run for up to two months. Before making a proposal please feel free to pop up and visit the space. You are welcome to discuss possibilities by e-mailing library.exhibitions (@gold.ac.uk).
General Library Space
The Library hosts temporary exhibits or interventions which are integrated within the general Library space. These relate to the Library as a concept or environment, or to our Collections.
A regular series of themed book displays highlighting the Library Collections also takes place in the Library Foyer.
Exhibits or interventions may be integrated or located within the Reading Rooms, Ground Floor Group Study area, corridors and stairwells, providing they do not conflict with Library use or the display of the College Art Collection. The large digital screen installed in the Ground Floor Group Study Area is also available for display proposals.
Please note that The Library exhibitions Group will carefully assess the risk of negative impact on Library use. Unfortunately, it is not possible to put fixings on the walls or make changes that will require redecoration.
If you would like to discuss the suitability of your idea before making a proposal please contact library.exhibitions (@gold.ac.uk).
