Exhibition opportunities
Foundation Gallery Exhibition Program
The Foundation Gallery is one of three contemporary gallery spaces at Artspace – Mackay’s Regional Art Gallery. The Foundation Gallery Exhibition Program is an opportunity for artists, curators, and collectives to submit proposals for developed concepts that highlight new work of relevance to the region. Selected proposals receive an exhibition fee and professional support from gallery staff.
The next application for exhibition proposals for 2029 opens here in September 2026
BLUEPRINT Exhibition Program
BLUEPRINT is a series of indoor and outdoor exhibition opportunities that are available to young and emerging artists in the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac regions. So far, BLUEPRINT has three vibrant, publicly accessible locations:
> Foodspace Cafe, Artspace Mackay
> External building wall, 2nd Lane, Mackay City Heart
> Gregory Street Bus Stop, Mackay City Heart
Each BLUEPRINT location provides the successful artist applicant with a paid opportunity to display up to five of their digitally produced original artworks for up to a six-month period.
Program and exhibitions
BLUEPRINT Exhibition Opportunity - Call for submissions
2026 Round 1
Open for applications Friday 8 May – Monday 3 August
BLUEPRINT Round 1 invites Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac young and emerging artists to create a series of digital artworks responding to the theme 'Play'. This series of works will form your application for the opportunity to exhibit in one of the three highly visible BLUEPRINT public art locations.
Play shapes children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. It continues to fuel imagination, curiosity, and creative expression throughout adulthood. Artists are encouraged to submit works inspired by the wonder, humour, and joy of play, drawing on personal memories of childhood.
Successful applicants will receive a $1000 artist fee and provide their digital art files for quality print reproduction and installation by Artspace Mackay in one of Blueprint’s high foot‑traffic locations for up to six months.
Artspace Mackay's Application Portal.
BLUEPRINT FAQs
What is the Artspace team looking for?
We are looking for original and imaginative entries, created using any digital medium. Submissions must be the original work of the artist, completed in the 24 months prior to the entry closing date.
Who can enter?
Anyone 14+ who lives in the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac regions and would like to showcase their art for an artist’s fee of $1000. You don’t need to be an established artist – you could be an emerging artist, student, or just someone with a creative flair and love of art.
What do I need to do?
Create five digital art pieces. Please note each original image MUST be high enough resolution to be printed at 300dpi at the size we require for display. Include with your application a few sentences about what inspires you and the works you’ve created.
How might I benefit?
The aim of the exhibition is to promote and showcase the diverse range of young and emerging visual artists who live in our Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions. This
Community Exhibition Spaces
Other community exhibition spaces available through Mackay Regional Council and their facilities include:
Lagoons Gallery - Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
The Lagoons Gallery, located at the entrance to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, provides solo and artist groups with the opportunity to exhibit artwork in a unique garden café setting.
Jubilee Community Centre Exhibition Space
Located in the foyer of the Jubilee Community Centre, Civic Precinct, Gordon Street, this exhibition space offers display opportunities for local artists, art collectives and community groups.