Below you'll find some helpful information about exhibiting at Sixteen Gallery.
FAQ
How is the gallery laid out and what are the dimensions of the space?
Below is a diagram of the gallery space itself including dimensions allowing you to design your exhibition ahead of time.
​
The gallery has 26.5 linear metres of wall space and a height from floor to ceiling of 3 metres.
The red lines on the diagram below represent where you can display work on the walls. The dashed line represents the window which is capable of hanging artwork.
​
Artwork can be hung one above the other if you have many works you wish to show however, we often recommend spreading out your display of artwork across the larger walls and into the various alcoves to give each of your pieces of work enough room to been seen at their best.
​
Click the image to enlarge it.
Do you have any Plinths or other display?
There are a number of white wooden display stands for 3D pieces, sculpture, ceramics and promotional materials. These can be easily moved about the space and orientated in a number of ways.
​
The two largest fit vertically along their longest sides into the alcoves, in front of the window or along the longest walls.
However they can also be laid down horizontally and moved around on their wheels for alternative displays.
​
Many artists use the plinths to display flyers, business cards and further information if they are not showing 3D work.
How do I hang my work?
The gallery is fitted with an easy to use track hanging system to hold artworks.
There are plenty of clip hooks and cords left at the gallery with extra being stored in the cupboard above the toilet.
There are three types of cords:
​
​1. Smartspring with clear plastic perlon cords
(holds maximum weight of 8.8lbs)
​
2. Zipper with clear plastic perlon cord
(holds maximum weight of 33 lbs)
​
3. Zipper with steel cord
(holds maximum weight of 44 lbs)
There are multiple lengths of cord provided for various hanging displays.
Please do not cut off any excess cords.
Instead, wind up any overhanging cord and position behind the artwork.
​
No artwork should be mounted on the walls using anything other than the hanging cords provided.
​
Labels and small signage can be fixed to the wall using the provided label holders and only using 3M command strips (See below)
Do you have a ladder?
There is a ladder kept behind the toilet door that can be used by exhibitors to hang work and access the storage cupboard above the toilet. Care should always be taken when using it.
Before you first use the step ladder, please ensure it is properly extended and the platform is placed in the full support position. Always where possible have someone else support the ladder when in use.
Can I have labels and signage?
We recommend all artwork is labeled with a title, size, materials and media used, name of the artist and of course its price.
​
We have clear acrylic label holders in both A6 and A7 sizes along with some larger A4 and A5 holders for displays and artist biographies.
​
We insist each of the labels is fixed to the wall using a small piece of "3M Command Strip" which if pulled off carefully will not mark the walls or remove any paint.
​
The gallery also has a number of free standing flyer and business card holders but artists are more than welcome to bring their own display stands.
Lighting System
There are numerous re-positionable lights mounted to tracks in the ceiling.
​
They come in two types, "broad white lights" and "spot lights"
​
Each light can be rotated and positioned to face towards your artwork to help showcase them best.
​
Artists can move lights to various other positions using the following steps:
​
To remove the spotlight, pull down the plastic locking collar switch at the base nearest to the track and twist the whole light 90 degrees to release the fixture from the track.
​
Locate the base of the fixture into the track. The track adapter will only fit in one way and must be lined up with the correct groove.
​
Once in position, turn the entire locking switch through 90 degrees to secure the spotlight in position.
How do I get in and out?
The gallery has a keypad at the front door and an interior alarm.
You will be sent an email with the codes required to gain entry and disable the alarm before your exhibition begins.
​
To work the keypad on the front entrance:
First place your hand over the keypad to wake it.
Enter the code provided and press the * (star) key. You will hear a tone
Turn the handle towards the door frame and push the door open.
​
To disarm the alarm:
The alarm is found in a cupboard on the wall to the left behind the front door
Enter the code provided and press the "Shield with and X" Symbol on the top left.
The colour on the alarm will turn from red to blue.
​
To arm the alarm when leaving the building:
First ensure the window at the rear of the building is closed and locked.
Next close the front door to ensure the sensors at the top are touching.
(you will not be able to arm the alarm is they are not)
Enter the code on the keypad and press the button on the top right with an image of a person leaving.
The colour on the alarm will turn from blue to red and the phrase "Exit delay started" will sound.
Leave the building and pull the door firmly until it clicks shut.
​
When do I get access to the gallery from?
The gallery week runs from Thursday to Wednesday
​
Although each booking begins on the Thursday, new exhibitors are able to gain access to the gallery from 6:00pm on the Wednesday, to begin bringing in artwork and setting up the space.
​
Please ensure you have left the building by I7:00 to allow us to check the space is clean and
presentable before the next exhibitor arrives.
We ask that exhibitors leave the gallery in the best condition they are able and ensure all personal items, rubbish and packaging are taken away when you leave.
We understand a certain amount of wear and tear is inevitable and that accidents can happen but we ask that exhibitors do not paint over any marks on the walls and let us know if any damage has occurred so we can prepare the space ready for the next exhibitor.
We have provided a number of melamine sponges that can be used to remove scuff marks on the walls.
Simply lightly dampen the sponge before use.
What are the gallery opening hours?
There are no set opening hours, leaving exhibitors free to decide their own hours.
However, as it is located in a residential area, the gallery should not be opened before 9 am or any later than 10 pm Monday-Saturday. On Sundays it is suggested that the gallery only be open between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.
​​
The gallery is closed on Christmas Day.
What do I do in the event of a fire?
Please familiarise yourself with the various fire extinguishers and their specific uses. There is an information label fixed to the right hand side of the alarm system cupboard with details on what each of the extinguishers are used for. Only use them if you feel confident in doing so.
​
In the event of a fire the alarm will sound. Please exit the building and call 999.
Do not touch the alarm system.
​
Contact Sixteen Gallery on 01242 335545 or 07702142803
Do you have a car parking space?
There is space for one car at the rear of the property on Royal Parade Mews that can be accessed from Parabola Rd. Look for a sign saying The Town House. Please park to one side of the driveway, leaving enough room for the resident of the flat above the gallery.
Are WIFI and Music available?
Exhibitors have access to the Wifi at the gallery. The network and password is found on the inside of the alarm cupboard door next to the exhibitor information.
​
We also have a Sonos music system which exhibitors can use by downloading the Sonos App on the smartphone and connecting to the speaker named "Kitchen"
Are there toilet facilities available?
There is a single unisex toilet at the back of the gallery with a small sink.
​
Please do not flush anything other than loo roll down the toilet, as it is prone to blocking.
Sanitary products and other items must be placed in the bin next to the toilet.
​
Cleaning products and additional loo rolls can be found in the cupboard under the sink.
The bathroom facilities are for exhibitor use only.
May I provide food and drink?
​
The gallery has a fridge that can store food and drink. The gallery is not licensed for the sale of food or drink, but complimentary drinks, including alcohol may be provided to guests. It is the responsibility of the exhibitors to ensure appropriate measures are in place to control underage or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are in place.
​
If you wish to organise an evening event and intend to charge for food or alcoholic drinks, even if you are collecting for charity, then a Temporary Event Notice will need to be submitted and approved by the local council. You will need 10 working days before the event for registration.
​
What is the Venue Capacity?
​
Due to the building’s fire regulations the maximum number of visitors at any time must not exceed 60 people.