Propose an Exhibition

Photo: ‘Lunula’ blanket handwoven in wool yarn; Maker: Nicola Gates; Photo credit: tbc

Craft NI’s Gallery space in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter presents a vibrant exhibition programme alongside an ongoing craft retail selection from 50 Northern Irish designer-makers. It is the city’s foremost craft destination.

The exhibitions programme offers makers an opportunity to showcase one-off pieces and explore themes within similar ideas or materials. The programme combines exhibitions selected by Craft NI from Open Calls, presentations of touring works, proposals received from makers and/or groups of makers.

We offer:

• Central location
• Marketing support
• Dedicated gallery space with plinths and display cases available
• All exhibitions will be available to view on Craft NI’s website during and after the exhibition period. This enables us to show and sell pieces online, as well as to add important collateral material such as making footage, links to maker profiles etc.

Applications are invited to be considered for the Craft NI Gallery 2027-2028 exhibition programme. All works must meet the CNI Eligibility and Quality Criteria. Proposals are reviewed by the Craft NI Quality Group.

Craft NI Gallery commission is 40% on sales in person or online.

The deadline to submit an exhibition proposal is midnight, 18th January 2026.

Craft NI Gallery Exhibition Proposal

Contact details

Name *

Email *

Phone *

Website / URL *

Social Media links *

Which Council area are you based in? *Please select oneAntrim and Newtownabbey Borough CouncilArds and North Down Borough CouncilArmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough CouncilBelfast City CouncilCauseway Coast and Glens Borough CouncilDerry City and Strabane District CouncilFermanagh and Omagh District CouncilLisburn and Castlereagh City CouncilMid and East Antrim Borough CouncilMis Ulster District CouncilNewry, Mourne and Down District CouncilNorthern Irish maker living or working outside of NI

If you are currently not living or working in Northern Ireland please tell us which council area you originate from and where your practice is currently based.

How many years have you been practicing professionally?

Proposal

Working title and/or theme *

Materials used *

Approx dimensions of the work

If you have dates in mind, please tell us here

Description of your proposal (100-300 words) *

* Please use this space to tell us about your proposal. Be sure to include names of makers in the proposed exhibition, and clearly explain the subject and/or material theme.

Supporting materials

Supporting images *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

* Please attach up to 5 high resolution (300dpi) images to give us a sense of the work you are proposing

Submissions are reviewed by the Craft NI Quality Committee at their Quarterly Meeting

Rolling deadlines: 31 December | 31 March | 30 June | 31 August

Submit