Exhibitions in the Long Gallery are normally 4-6 weeks. Photograph by Simon Richardson

Long Gallery

The exhibitions are agreed by our Programming Group, which is made up of practicing artists. The choices for the exhibitions are made 18 months – 2 years in advance and members of the Programming Group curate each show. We actively promote the work of South West practitioners as well as artists from further afield. Each exhibition lasts for 4-6 weeks; commissions are at 40%. It is sometimes possible to rent the space depending on schedules.

Round Tower

This stunning 18th century drying tower was restored in 1994 and is on 2 floors of exposed brick and curved walls. This space is available to rent for exhibitions of 2-4 weeks, but also by the day for workshops and private events (subject to exhibition schedule). It has an atmosphere to compliment what is displayed and we wish to retain the community feel, complimenting what is on the walls. The Round Tower costs £200 per week to hire with 20% commission.

Studios

From time to time we have one of the studios available to rent on a permanent basis. These are at the heart of BSA’s ethos to support emerging craftspeople and are available at a very reasonable monthly rent.  They are spaces to make, display and sell, but primarily they are workshops. Private studio space is also available to hire within the main building.

We also sometimes have office space to hire within the main building. For information contact Emma on office@blackswanarts.org.uk

Black Swan Arts inclusive programme and number of different galleries allows visitors to engage with a diverse range of experiences that are not always found in a small town.

The next stage is to reply explaining why you have chosen Black Swan Arts and provide the following details; your name, good quality images of your work, your availability and a short artist statement or CV (along with web/social media links)

Please do come and visit to explore the spaces and see what best suits your proposal.

We want to encourage more creative practice in the building at all times and have undergone structural changes to enable this. Workshops now run in the Round Tower, a beautiful listed building, originally used as a wool-drying tower. The ground floor has access for disabled visitors and the building has its own access.

These workshops are administrated by a group of exciting local artists and craftspeople who are keen to bring their expertise and inspirations to all age groups of Frome. The use of tea making facilities and toilet in the link-way corridor is included with the hire. It can be hired for one-off events and workshops or regular courses.

The Round Tower is available to rent see Apply to Exhibit for more information.