Are you a local artist or maker with work you would like to show at the Alex (exhibitions, cabinets, gallery or stalls at events here? This page explains the options (its a frequently asked question with several different answers!
Shortcut to current calls for work.
Each month we are open* we have solo, joint or group exhibitions in the galleries. We also display 3D work in the cabinets. Some exhibitions combine both. Most exhibitors (apart from winners of Art at the Alex prizes, e.g. at Rugby Open) are based in Rugby or have strong connection to the town. We also have Open exhibitions, this is an ideal way for newer artists, or those unfamiliar with our set up, to start showing work here, perhaps a single item. (*We are closed from 23 Dec each year for 6 weeks and also during August. We review our opening times at start of each year, we plan to open more days in 2025).
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THE OPEN/GROUP EXHIBITIONS AT THE ALEX
(Click links below for more information on how/when to apply for each of these).
ART AT THE ALEX: SUMMER ART EXHIBITION
JULY (annually, seven days with private view in evening)
- Calls for work open mid-May and end late June.
THE RUGBY TOWN: 'TOWN AND COUNTRY' EXHIBITION;
October (annual Rugby Town themed exhibition)
- Calls for work open in August registration end late September.
ART AT ALEXMAS EXHIBITION
REGISTRATION LIVE NOW! Read more about how to apply. (LINK)
Group show and displays in December (all work for sale and emphasis on affordable, gift-worthy artwork). - Calls for work open mid-September registration ends mid November. An informal exhibition with extra evening and Sunday openings alongside Alexmas activities (see Alexmas page). All work is for sale.
ART AT THE ALEX: SALON DES REFUSES
NB. Next date Feb 2025 (last held in Dec 2023) this is only open to works which have been rejected for selected exhibitions elsewhere within past 2 years.
- Calls for work open early-December and end mid-January. Great timing to set a bold start for the new year with work you are proud of and wish to show off. No theme.
COMING 2025: 'OUTSIDERS' EXHIBITION (title tbc)
This exhibition will show work which is from outside Rugby. Still local (e.g. Warwickshire).
Its responding to requests for shows here by people who are beyond Rugby. We will remain a showcase for Rugby artists and makers the rest of the year.
SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS (Gallery and Cabinet spaces)
There are three small galleries at the Alex:
* The Bar Gallery
* The Cafe Gallery
* The Garden Room Gallery
(new from June 2024)
Two Cabinets (seven shelves in total)
* Cafe Bar Cabinet
* Print Room Cabinet
When not in use by the open/group shows or venue-wide events (e.g. Warwickshire Open Studios), local solo or small artist groups can book a gallery to show work. There is a small fee for rental (for 2024 this was £10, £20 and £25 for each gallery, and £10 per shelf). All art sold as a result of exhibition here is subject to commission of 20%. The galleries and cabinets are usually fulled booked. Cabinet bookings of most artists are one month at a time to ensure variety.
STALLS AT SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to the above opportunities to exhibit we have weekends and events during the year where you can book stall space to show and sell work here. There is no commission on sales made from your stall at these events.
CARD SALES AT THE ALEX
We currently have enough artist cards for sale here. There is no fee but 20% commission is charged on sales.
If you are interested in any of these options then email Chris at artatthealex@gmail.com to ask what is available. Look out for exhibition calls and read on for information about any calls which are current.
CURRENT EXHIBITION CALLS (links)
Art at Alexmas exhibition (29 Nov - 22 Dec 2024)
Link to terms and conditions (README) PDF
Link to Registration form