1863 is proud to be displaying the talent of local artists.
We are opening our walls for local artists to showcase their talent in 1863, The Corn Exchange Cafe. This initiative is open to both emerging and established artists. You can view our Ts&Cs and FAQs below.
Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, photographer, or mixed-media artist, we look forward to displaying your work in our charming cafe right in the heart of Witney.
Who is it for?
We’re especially keen to support:
- Up-and-coming artists
- Students and recent graduates
- Local creatives looking for their first exhibition space
How to can I involved?
To get involved all you need to do is fill out the application form below!
FAQS:
Do I have to pay?
If you are just displaying your work then it is completely free. If you are intending to sell your art there is a 10% commission payable to Witney Town Council. See our terms and conditions for more information.
What can I display?
You can display any work that is suitable for a public café environment. Officers reserve the right to refuse any work deemed inappropriate. For more information on this see our selection criteria in our Terms and Conditions.
How long is the display period?
6 weeks.
Can I show more than one piece at once?
No. Spaces are limited to one piece per application except in the instances of triptychs etc.
Can I sell my work?
Yes. Witney Town Council charge 10% commission on the sale of the piece +VAT. For more information see our Terms and Conditions.
Who handles sales?
The sale will be managed by the artist. Interested customers can be given artists information to enquire about purchase.
Is there a price limit?
No. You can charge what ever you feel your piece is worth.
Can I choose where to hang it?
No. The location of the piece will be determined by a variety of factors including current other displays, size of work etc.
What size can it be?
Any size up to A1 (59.4 cm x 84.1 cm)
Is my work secure?
1863 is monitored by CCTV cameras and the building is locked and alarmed when not in use. The Corn Exchange and Witney Town Council take no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to works on display.
Is there selection criteria?
Yes. You can view the full criteria in our Terms and Conditions.
What happens after my display period?
After your display period you will be required to collect your piece from The Corn Exchange within 2 weeks. This can be arranged with the Venue Coordinator/Officer.
What mediums are accepted?
We can display any medium that can be hung from gallery hooks.
Do I have to provide a frame?
Yes. You will need to provide a means to hang your work. This could be a frame or the back edge of a canvas.
Do I need to provide anything else?
No, though if you are selling your piece we recommend providing us with a business card or a means for interested customers to contact you in regards to a sale.
Terms and Conditions
Selection Criteria:
- The work must be of a suitable size for the space available.
- Artists may only display 1 piece at a time.
- The work must not depict imagery, text or implication that officers deem unsuitable for a public café environment.
- Works that are deemed hazardous or unsafe to hang will not be considered.
- Works must be presented in a way that will allow the piece to be hung from gallery hooks.
- AI generated work will not be considered.
- Work that infringes on copyright, trademarks, or uses unlicensed material will not be considered.
- Advertisements, logos, or overt branding will not be considered.
- Political campaigning or propaganda will not be considered.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Display periods are limited to 6 weeks, after which point, the artist will need to reapply for a space.
- Artists must arrange delivery of their work to The Corn Exchange with the Venue Officer/Coordinator.
- Upon completion of the artist’s display period, the artist will be required to collect their work from The Corn Exchange within 2 weeks. This can be arranged with the Venue Officer/Coordinator.
- The Corn Exchange and Witney Town Council reserve the right to refuse to display any artwork on any grounds.
- Applicants must be a local artist or have a clear connection to Witney and the surrounding areas.
- Both established and emerging artists may apply.
- Applicants must be 12 years or older.
- Applicants under 18 must have their parent’s permission.
- Priority may be given to first-time exhibitors, young artists, or those who have not recently displayed work in the café.
- Artists are responsible for providing work that is ready to hang, clearly labelled, and compliant with any health and safety requirements.
- No fee will be charged to artists for displaying their work.
- Artists’ work will be displayed by the venue in such a way that it is visible on security cameras.
- The Corn Exchange and Witney Town Council take no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to works displayed in The Corn Exchange.
Artists with work for sale:
- If artists would like their artwork to be available for sale, they must include the price in their application.
- Artists will handle any sales directly.
- Artists are required to inform Witney Town Council (via the Venue Coordinator/Officer) if a piece is sold during its display period.
- Customers will be able to enquire about purchasing artwork and will be provided with contact information for the artist.
- Artists are recommended to provide a business card or other means of contact for customers, though this is not required.
- Where artwork is sold during the exhibition period, artists are required to offer 10% of the sale price + VAT as commission to Witney Town Council. This amount must be communicated to the Venue Officer/Coordinator, who will then produce an invoice for the stated amount.