What is the Library Exhibitions Program?

The City of Canada Bay Libraries Exhibition Program provides artists, local creatives and art-inspired groups the opportunity to hold exhibitions free of charge at Five Dock and Concord Libraries.

We aim to support and promote community engagement with art and creativity in the City of Canada Bay by providing a place for artists of all ages and stages to display their work and we warmly invite artists to share their stories, perspectives and passions with our community.

We are committed to delivering a program of exhibitions that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our community and we proudly support artists of all backgrounds, disciplines and experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, artists from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ artists and artists with disability.

Exhibiting artists also have the opportunity to participate in our Create.Make.Connect program by facilitating events and workshops that connect the community with art making and the creative process and promote engagement with the exhibition.

Exhibition periods

We offer two application rounds for two exhibition periods per year:

  • Round 1 will open on 1 May and is for applications to exhibit between July and December 2026.
  • Round 2 will open in October and is for applications to exhibit between January and June 2027.

Selection criteria

All applications are assessed by the Library Exhibitions Program team in accordance with a range of criteria such as:

  • Local or cultural relevance, artistic merit and innovation
  • Exhibitions that showcase the work of emerging artists in all mediums
  • Exhibitions that are diverse and thought-provoking
  • Acts as a platform for creative dialogue by encouraging wider community participation in the arts
  • Showcases the work of community members that have worked and created in the City of Canada Bay
  • Suitability for visitors of all ages and backgrounds
  • Contribution to a diverse calendar of exhibitions in terms of content and approach
  • Potential for the proposed exhibition to overlap with broader Council programs or celebrations (for example, NAIDOC, Youth Week, Pride Month, Seniors Week)

Exhibition spaces

We have exhibition spaces located at Five Dock Library and Concord Library where wall space and cabinets are available. Click on each location in the tabs below to see images and measurements of the spaces available.

We encourage you to visit the libraries and see the spaces for yourself to best assess suitability prior to submitting your application.

Red wall exhibition space

This space is divided by two doorways into three sections and includes an inbuilt secure display cabinet, inbuilt recessed open shelving and two picture rail hanging systems with varied hanging height options.



Section 1

This is the area closest to the library entrance.

Wall measurements

Total wall hanging space: 1990mm W x 3400mm H.

Wall space on left side of cabinet: 1410mm W.

Wall space on right side of cabinet: 580mm W x 1700mm H.

Cabinet measurements

1430mm H x 590mm W x mm D.

3 shelves at 470mm H.

Section 2

This is a varied space with a picture rail system that offers a range of hanging height options and inbuilt but unsecured open shelving sections.

Wall Measurements

Wall hanging space: 5800mm W x 1650 - 2200mm H (heights vary due to shelving).

Recessed shelves measurements

These two shelves are wedge-shaped, tapering down to the left on the top shelf and to the right on the bottom shelf: 2000mm W x 390mm H x 425mm D (at the widest point).


Section 3

This section has two recessed inbuilt open shelves and two perspex display shelves.

Shelf measurements

Square recess: W x 590mm H x190mm D.

Shelf: 3500mm W x 390mm H x 160-290mm D (the shelf is tapered).


Back wall

This area is located at the back of Five Dock Library and to the rear of the red wall exhibition area and has wall hanging space only.

Measurements

3900mm W x 3600mm H.


Mobile glass cabinet

This cabinet can be placed as required in consultation with the Library Exhibition Program staff at Five Dock Library. It has two shelves and the top shelf is removable. The cabinet is accessed by sliding glass doors.

Measurements

Overall:1140mm W x 6045mm H x 400mm D.

Top shelf: 3040mm H x 350mm D.

Bottom shelf: 2090mm H x 400mm D.

There are three exhibition areas across the ground and first levels of Concord Library and a mix of wall hanging space and display cabinets available. All wall hanging spaces are fitted with picture rail systems.

Foyer

This is the most prominent exhibition area and has a picture rail system and inbuilt display cabinet.

Measurements

Wall (from top of picture rail to the top of the cabinet): 2200mm H x 5700mm W.

Cabinet: 3500mm H x 3140mm W x 500mm D.


Ground floor exhibition area

This area offers both wall hanging space and a display cabinet.

Measurements

Wall: 2800mm W x 2300mm.

Cabinet: 1890mm W x 390mm H x 320mm D.


Level 1 exhibition area

This is a wall hanging space only.

Measurements

1000mm H x 5900mm W.

Please note: the height is measured from the top of the wall to the height of the chairs.