The Archway Exhibition Programme

Showcase your artwork at Aviva Studios in a unique underground brick tunnel with a rich industrial history

The Archway in the Social at Aviva Studios, showing an empty brick archway

Call for Submissions

The Archway Exhibition Programme provides a rolling opportunity for individual visual artists and collectives to exhibit work within an intimate, public-facing space at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International. Once a vital piece of Manchester’s industrial infrastructure, this atmospheric archway originally served as a pedestrian link to the Science and Industry Museum.

This initiative sits within our wider Artist Development programme, alongside community collaborations in our public spaces. Hosting up to six exhibitions annually, it supports emerging, underrepresented and locally connected creators, focusing on new work by Northern-based artists.

Artist Benefits

  • £500 artist honorarium.
  • Production budget for creating and producing artworks.
  • In-house installation support.
  • Opportunity to host an exhibition launch event.
  • Retail opportunity to sell work or merchandise via the Aviva Studios shop.
  • Access to alumni opportunities and the Factory International Artist Development community.
  • Invitations to events, discounted tickets and engagement with the wider artistic programme.

Selection Process

Artist selection will be overseen by an internal panel comprising representatives from Artist Development, Curatorial and Public Realm Programme, alongside a rotating visual artist or arts professional.

Application and Deadlines

  • No Fixed Deadline: This is an ongoing, year-round initiative.
  • Submit Early: Submissions are reviewed regularly on a rolling basis.
  • Programming Slots: We encourage you to submit your proposal as soon as possible so our panel can review and align it with a potential programming slot throughout the year.

Display Guidelines

Presentation Space

This is an active corridor for visitors and users.

Installation

  • Metal mesh is installed on the brick walls, providing a flexible and secure infrastructure for hanging artwork.
  • All artworks must be suitable for mounting directly onto vertical mesh walls.
  • Pieces should not contain fragile components or loose parts.

Public Suitability

  • Please bear in mind that the gallery is in a busy public space, so work should be suitable for visitors of all ages.  

The Archway Dimensions

Approximately L 15.4 x W 5.7 x H 2.4 (wall), 4 metres (arch peak)

Metal Mesh Dimensions

  • A: L 7.25 x H 2.40 metres
  • B: L 7.50 x H 2.40 metres
  • C: L 5.75 x H 2.40 metres

What to Submit

  • Artist / Collective Bio: Maximum 250 words. (For collectives, please provide a joint biography outlining your collaborative practice).
  • Portfolio: 10 images and captions of past projects. (Can include individual or collaborative works).
  • Proposal Outline: Maximum 250 words. Please include relevant images or designs if you have them.

Where to send

Please send your submission to publicrealmprogramme@factoryinternational.org with the subject line: The Archway Exhibition Programme. 

Please include your pitch as a PDF attachment.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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