FERTILITY:Invisible Journeys
Stories that deserve to be seen.
Fertility: Invisible Journeys is an open exhibition that invites artists and creatives based in London, the South East and East of England to explore the diverse realities of fertility and reproductive health.
We welcome work that reflects the biological, emotional, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of fertility, helping to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and reduce stigma.
We encourage diverse interpretations of these themes and welcome work that challenges assumptions, sparks dialogue, and promotes greater understanding.
All perspectives are welcome.
Accepted media
Artists may submit up to two works in any of the following media:- Painting
- Photography
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Textile art
- Mixed media
- Short film
- Poetry
- Personal narrative / lived experience account*
* Personal narrative / lived experience account - a first-person account, reflection or story drawn from the artist's own experiences of fertility, subfertility, infertility or reproductive health. This may take the form of memoir, creative non-fiction, personal essay, poetry or another written format.
We welcome submissions from
- Visual artists
- Digital and mixed-media artists
- Sculptors
- Textile artists
- Printmakers
- Individuals with lived experience
No previous exhibition experience is required.
Awareness, conversation and understanding.
Venue
Oaklands Social
Oaklands House
Old Oak Common Lane
London, NW10 6DU
Nearest station(s): North Acton (Underground), Willesden Junction (Overground/Underground)
Bus: 260, 266, 440, 487, BL-1, BL-2
Parking: No Parking
Bike: Yes
More information on the Oaklands Social venue can be found here.
Important dates
Before you apply
Submission details
- Submission is through a Google form which requires a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, please complete the questions in the form and send a pdf of your application to fertility.journeys.uk@gmail.com
- You will be required to submit a short paragraph of up to 150 words explaining how this work fits the theme of the exhibition.
- All wall-based or 2D artworks must be framed and ready for installation. Exceptions may be considered at the discretion of the organising team where the nature of the artwork requires an alternative method of presentation. Artists should clearly state any specific framing, mounting or installation requirements in the application form.
Size constraints
- All 2D works must be no larger than A2 size.
- Sculptural work must not exceed 100 cm in any dimension.
- You can submit up to 5 images in total. Each image should not exceed 5 MB.
Selection criteria
- A five-member selection committee will select the works for the exhibition.
- Selection will be based on the work’s thematic relevance to the exhibition, as well as its suitability in terms of scale and dimensions for display within the gallery.
- The committee will comprise practising artists, gallery staff and individuals with lived experience of subfertility.
- The committee will bring together artistic, curatorial and lived experience perspectives.
- The selection process will be conducted on a blind basis. Identifying information will be removed from submissions before they are shared with the selection committee, where reasonably practicable.
Commitment
- All work will need to be delivered on Saturday 14 of November between 10am and 2pm.
- All work will need to be collected on Sunday 29 of November.
- Selected artists will be asked to undertake 1–2 half-days of invigilation during the exhibition, from 10am to 2pm.
Our support
- Installation of the exhibition
- Promotion of the exhibition
- Publication of a small exhibition brochure.
Costs
- This is a self-funded, not-for-profit project.
- There is no fee to participate in this exhibition.
- No commissions are taken for any sales made.
Insurance
- Artists are responsible for arranging appropriate insurance for their artwork and public liability cover. Proof of insurance may be requested if selected.
- Artists will be asked to complete a short risk assessment for the Gallery.
Full terms and conditions
Please read the full terms and conditions which can be found here Download Submission Guidelines & Terms and Conditions
Some journeys are visible. Many are not.
Help us tell the stories that deserve to be seen.
For full submission guidelines and application details, please visit:
Submission formGet in touch
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the open call please get in touch.
