Exhibition rules and selection process
Exhibition notes and rules
Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle. Notes for Exhibitors
RULES
1. Work will not be considered unless a member’s subscription is up to date.
2. All work submitted must be the original work of the artist. Reproductions will
not be accepted. Any third-party reference materials or photographs must only
be used with the express permission of the copyright owner. Please read the
flow chart (below) concerning copyright which accompanies these rules to establish that
you, as the artist, have permission to use these images. NNAC Council reserve
the right to not select work for exhibition if there is any doubt about copyright
rules not being applied.
3. All work submitted must be finished to exhibition standard. If the selection
committee considers that this has not been reached, they reserve the right for
the work not to be exhibited.
4. All work is submitted at the member’s own risk. Insurance is the member’s
sole responsibility.
5. Photographs will not be accepted. Digital art is acceptable. Please see the
notes below.
6. Work previously submitted for selection and not selected for an NNAC
exhibition is not eligible for any future selections unless substantially re-worked.
7. One work submitted may be Not for Sale.
8. Work must be delivered for selection unpacked. Each work must bear a label
fixed to the back with the member’s name, title and medium completed in full
(i.e. not just mixed media). Entry forms must be filled in with all sections and
details.
9. Work submitted must be delivered no later than the time and date shown on
the call for entries. All work submitted must be finished to exhibition standard.
10. A work comprising more than a single image (diptych, triptych etc.) may be
submitted as one item and, if selected, will be hung together as a single work
with one label. Only one such work may be submitted by a member for any
exhibition.
11. NNAC exhibitions aim to showcase the work of all selected artists equally.
Works are hung individually and not necessarily by artist.
12. The elected committee is responsible for hanging the exhibitions. The
decision of the committee is final. No work may be moved during an exhibition
by members without permission.
13. Stewards. Exhibitors are expected to make themselves available to attend at
least one session as required.
SELECTION: Selection for exhibitions is done by the NNAC Council. It is treated
very seriously and conducted in as fair and objective manner as possible. The
selection group usually comprises eleven members (always an odd number to
avoid tied voting). On occasion, Council may invite a suitably experienced, non-
member to join the group to make up numbers. The selection group is never
fewer than nine. Members sit side by side in a line and cannot see each other’s’
votes. Seated facing the selectors, the Secretary and Treasurer act as non-voting
reporters. Porters slowly parade each work along the line (between selectors
and reporters) at a reasonable viewing distance. Members may ask for technical
information (title, medium etc.) or to see the work at closer quarters - but
discussion is not permitted. Once an individual work has been viewed by
everybody, the Chairman requests a vote. Voting is done by cards held up
towards the reporters. Each selector has two cards - one with an “A” on it, the
other being blank. Both are blank on the rear. The reporters count the number
of “A” votes for each work, announcing and recording the total. This number may
be chalked on the rear of the work. After all works have been seen, the totals are
assessed by the recorders. Works selected for the exhibition start with those
having the most votes - proceeding through the totals in descending order.
Generally, those works receiving the majority votes by the selection panel will be
included. Works receiving a minority of votes are not selected. On occasion,
specific notes may be made for the artist of a selected work regarding framing or
any other matter that could lead to it not being exhibited.
CRITERIA Art is a combination of ideas and skills (head and hands). Both aspects
are essential and should be evident in the creation and presentation of a work of
art offered for selection. Selectors consider the following:
1. What’s the idea behind the work?
2. Does the work communicate the idea well?
3. How well has the work been rendered?
4. How well has the work been presented?
Above all, selectors consider whether the work is an excellent example of
its kind that will represent the high standards aimed at by NNAC. These
criteria are applied regardless of the type or genre of work, whether 2D or
3D.
DIGITAL ART Paintings and drawings made using digital techniques are
acceptable. These are typically created on tablets such as an iPad, or other
computer, using purpose made software such as Brushes Redux, Procreate or
similar. As with all submissions, the work must be the original creation of the
artist and not a photograph. The work will be a fine art standard, professional
(usually giclée) print from a (preferably) small limited edition bearing the print
and edition number in the bottom left-hand corner of the print margin (usually
in hard pencil) and authenticated by hand by the artist in the bottom right.
HAND MADE PRINTS
Images specifically created for print-making by the hand of the artist (alone or in
collaboration) and presented as limited-edition prints are welcome. These might
include (but are not necessarily confined to) etching, linocut, woodcut, drypoint,
screenprint, collagraph, monoprint and lithograph. The work needs to bear the
print and (preferably small) edition number in the bottom left-hand corner of the
print margin (usually in hard pencil) and authenticated by hand by the artist in
the bottom right.
FRAMING NNAC Council is committed to maintaining the highest standards of
presentation at NNAC exhibitions. The hanging parties take considerable care
when hanging your work and are very conscious of the Circle’s responsibilities
regarding the safety of both your work and the visiting public.
Please note the following guidelines:
1. “D” rings are the only suitable fixing for pictures submitted for selection. They
should be securely fixed to both sides of the frame around one quarter of the
way from the top edge (certainly no lower than a third as this may cause the
picture to hang at an awkward angle). Specific exhibitions may require mirror
plates in place of “D” rings. This will always be notified.
2. Hanging wire and/or picture cord should be tight between the two “D” rings
NOT slack.
3. Wooden frames should be securely fixed at the corners.
4. Screw eyes are not considered strong or secure enough for public exhibitions.
5. Clip frames with exposed glass edges will not be accepted.
6. Narrow metal frames that do not permit the use of metal “D” rings will not be
accepted.
7. Small photo-style frames with bend-out, integrated hanging clips are
unsuitable for the hanging systems usually employed at our exhibitions and will
not be accepted.
8. Pictures should be securely fitted inside the frame. Framing tape is
recommended for the additional security of panels or backing boards.
9. Unframed box canvases may be accepted where (a) the image “wraps” around
the canvas edges or (b) where the edges have been finished to a uniform colour.
Unframed works will be judged as to whether they have been finished to
exhibition standard.
On selection days, committee members at the desk will note any particular
concerns they may have about frames and/or fittings. Work that raises concerns
will not be rejected at the receiving desk. Instead, a note about any concerns will
be brought to the attention of the selectors at the time the picture is viewed for
selection and passed on to the artist. Poor quality framing may be sufficient
grounds for non-selection.
PRICING NNAC aims to project high standards and qualities at its exhibitions.
NNAC includes professional artists, experienced amateur and part-time artists
as well as beginners and improvers. The selection process ensures that we
consistently mount high quality exhibitions. The price of a piece offered for
selection is not a factor in the selection process. However, if your work has made
it through our stringent selection process, consider how the price you place on it
may help to reinforce its value. Regardless of whether a work is by a hobby, part-
time or professional artist, the value of materials, time, framing and other
factors apply to everyone. The fact that it has been selected means it is an
excellent piece of work - and worthy of representing the Circle. NNAC Council
advises that you don’t undervalue your work with a low price - even if you regard
yourself as purely a “hobby” artist. Visitors to our exhibitions don’t just buy work
because it has the lowest price. In fact, a low price may indicate that the work is
not as good as a higher priced work by an equally skilled artist.
Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle. Notes for Exhibitors
RULES
1. Work will not be considered unless a member’s subscription is up to date.
2. All work submitted must be the original work of the artist. Reproductions will
not be accepted. Any third-party reference materials or photographs must only
be used with the express permission of the copyright owner. Please read the
flow chart (below) concerning copyright which accompanies these rules to establish that
you, as the artist, have permission to use these images. NNAC Council reserve
the right to not select work for exhibition if there is any doubt about copyright
rules not being applied.
3. All work submitted must be finished to exhibition standard. If the selection
committee considers that this has not been reached, they reserve the right for
the work not to be exhibited.
4. All work is submitted at the member’s own risk. Insurance is the member’s
sole responsibility.
5. Photographs will not be accepted. Digital art is acceptable. Please see the
notes below.
6. Work previously submitted for selection and not selected for an NNAC
exhibition is not eligible for any future selections unless substantially re-worked.
7. One work submitted may be Not for Sale.
8. Work must be delivered for selection unpacked. Each work must bear a label
fixed to the back with the member’s name, title and medium completed in full
(i.e. not just mixed media). Entry forms must be filled in with all sections and
details.
9. Work submitted must be delivered no later than the time and date shown on
the call for entries. All work submitted must be finished to exhibition standard.
10. A work comprising more than a single image (diptych, triptych etc.) may be
submitted as one item and, if selected, will be hung together as a single work
with one label. Only one such work may be submitted by a member for any
exhibition.
11. NNAC exhibitions aim to showcase the work of all selected artists equally.
Works are hung individually and not necessarily by artist.
12. The elected committee is responsible for hanging the exhibitions. The
decision of the committee is final. No work may be moved during an exhibition
by members without permission.
13. Stewards. Exhibitors are expected to make themselves available to attend at
least one session as required.
SELECTION: Selection for exhibitions is done by the NNAC Council. It is treated
very seriously and conducted in as fair and objective manner as possible. The
selection group usually comprises eleven members (always an odd number to
avoid tied voting). On occasion, Council may invite a suitably experienced, non-
member to join the group to make up numbers. The selection group is never
fewer than nine. Members sit side by side in a line and cannot see each other’s’
votes. Seated facing the selectors, the Secretary and Treasurer act as non-voting
reporters. Porters slowly parade each work along the line (between selectors
and reporters) at a reasonable viewing distance. Members may ask for technical
information (title, medium etc.) or to see the work at closer quarters - but
discussion is not permitted. Once an individual work has been viewed by
everybody, the Chairman requests a vote. Voting is done by cards held up
towards the reporters. Each selector has two cards - one with an “A” on it, the
other being blank. Both are blank on the rear. The reporters count the number
of “A” votes for each work, announcing and recording the total. This number may
be chalked on the rear of the work. After all works have been seen, the totals are
assessed by the recorders. Works selected for the exhibition start with those
having the most votes - proceeding through the totals in descending order.
Generally, those works receiving the majority votes by the selection panel will be
included. Works receiving a minority of votes are not selected. On occasion,
specific notes may be made for the artist of a selected work regarding framing or
any other matter that could lead to it not being exhibited.
CRITERIA Art is a combination of ideas and skills (head and hands). Both aspects
are essential and should be evident in the creation and presentation of a work of
art offered for selection. Selectors consider the following:
1. What’s the idea behind the work?
2. Does the work communicate the idea well?
3. How well has the work been rendered?
4. How well has the work been presented?
Above all, selectors consider whether the work is an excellent example of
its kind that will represent the high standards aimed at by NNAC. These
criteria are applied regardless of the type or genre of work, whether 2D or
3D.
DIGITAL ART Paintings and drawings made using digital techniques are
acceptable. These are typically created on tablets such as an iPad, or other
computer, using purpose made software such as Brushes Redux, Procreate or
similar. As with all submissions, the work must be the original creation of the
artist and not a photograph. The work will be a fine art standard, professional
(usually giclée) print from a (preferably) small limited edition bearing the print
and edition number in the bottom left-hand corner of the print margin (usually
in hard pencil) and authenticated by hand by the artist in the bottom right.
HAND MADE PRINTS
Images specifically created for print-making by the hand of the artist (alone or in
collaboration) and presented as limited-edition prints are welcome. These might
include (but are not necessarily confined to) etching, linocut, woodcut, drypoint,
screenprint, collagraph, monoprint and lithograph. The work needs to bear the
print and (preferably small) edition number in the bottom left-hand corner of the
print margin (usually in hard pencil) and authenticated by hand by the artist in
the bottom right.
FRAMING NNAC Council is committed to maintaining the highest standards of
presentation at NNAC exhibitions. The hanging parties take considerable care
when hanging your work and are very conscious of the Circle’s responsibilities
regarding the safety of both your work and the visiting public.
Please note the following guidelines:
1. “D” rings are the only suitable fixing for pictures submitted for selection. They
should be securely fixed to both sides of the frame around one quarter of the
way from the top edge (certainly no lower than a third as this may cause the
picture to hang at an awkward angle). Specific exhibitions may require mirror
plates in place of “D” rings. This will always be notified.
2. Hanging wire and/or picture cord should be tight between the two “D” rings
NOT slack.
3. Wooden frames should be securely fixed at the corners.
4. Screw eyes are not considered strong or secure enough for public exhibitions.
5. Clip frames with exposed glass edges will not be accepted.
6. Narrow metal frames that do not permit the use of metal “D” rings will not be
accepted.
7. Small photo-style frames with bend-out, integrated hanging clips are
unsuitable for the hanging systems usually employed at our exhibitions and will
not be accepted.
8. Pictures should be securely fitted inside the frame. Framing tape is
recommended for the additional security of panels or backing boards.
9. Unframed box canvases may be accepted where (a) the image “wraps” around
the canvas edges or (b) where the edges have been finished to a uniform colour.
Unframed works will be judged as to whether they have been finished to
exhibition standard.
On selection days, committee members at the desk will note any particular
concerns they may have about frames and/or fittings. Work that raises concerns
will not be rejected at the receiving desk. Instead, a note about any concerns will
be brought to the attention of the selectors at the time the picture is viewed for
selection and passed on to the artist. Poor quality framing may be sufficient
grounds for non-selection.
PRICING NNAC aims to project high standards and qualities at its exhibitions.
NNAC includes professional artists, experienced amateur and part-time artists
as well as beginners and improvers. The selection process ensures that we
consistently mount high quality exhibitions. The price of a piece offered for
selection is not a factor in the selection process. However, if your work has made
it through our stringent selection process, consider how the price you place on it
may help to reinforce its value. Regardless of whether a work is by a hobby, part-
time or professional artist, the value of materials, time, framing and other
factors apply to everyone. The fact that it has been selected means it is an
excellent piece of work - and worthy of representing the Circle. NNAC Council
advises that you don’t undervalue your work with a low price - even if you regard
yourself as purely a “hobby” artist. Visitors to our exhibitions don’t just buy work
because it has the lowest price. In fact, a low price may indicate that the work is
not as good as a higher priced work by an equally skilled artist.
