For some 35 years, the Loft Theatre has hosted artists who wish to exhibit their work in the lounge areas of the theatre.

We offer every possible support to artists although the primary focus of the theatre will always be driven by the timetable of the theatre’s productions. The experience, therefore, for the artist is not the same as exhibiting in an art gallery, or a space dedicated to art.

Space

The space offered is in the Coffee Lounge area, the walls on the staircase and the end wall in the Committee Room.

Battens have been placed at intervals on the wall to protect the brickwork. It would be appreciated if artists could ensure that their work is hung from these battens only.

Although there is no such thing as an average frame size, the exhibition space tends to accommodate about 20-25 paintings.

Dates

Exhibitions are usually hung on the Monday evening prior to the opening of a Loft main house production. The exhibition would then stay for two weeks and be removed in the week after the end of production.

Throughout the season there are additional productions in the Studio and when these are scheduled it is possible for the exhibition to stay up during this additional production. This often totals the exhibition time to some four weeks.

Publicity

By the end of the run of the production immediately preceding the one at which you exhibit, the necessary publicity material needs to be supplied. This is usually a half page of A4 profile of the artist, together with a photo of their work, or a photo of themselves. The Loft includes this in the magazine, which has a circulation of over 1,000 to members. The magazine also doubles as the programme and so is also received by all non-members who attend performances and purchase a programme. Where possible, details of the exhibition will also be posted on this Loft website. This publicity is provided free of charge to artists. Any additional publicity is the responsibility of the artist.

You will be expected to number and name each piece of work to be hung and to provide a list of the names and numbers (with prices if you are selling your work) with your publicity material. This will be used to produce labels for your work and a catalogue to be displayed in the Coffee Lounge.

Private views

The only convenient time on both sides for any private view is during Studio productions. If you are not exhibiting during a Studio production, we apologise for the fact that private views are not possible to arrange.

Sales

If a painting is purchased, a cheque is made payable to the theatre. The Theatre Treasurer retains 10% of total sales as commission and the balance is paid to the artist as soon as possible following the end of the exhibition.

Contact

The exhibitions coordinator is Sue Bent, who can be contacted on 07790 618157 or via email at SueBent@loft-theatre.co.uk.