The deadline for receipt of applications is Sunday 14th September 2025.
We reserve the right not to accept applications after midnight on the 14th.
Inclusion in the Exhibition
Anyone who has graduated from the University of Sunderland’s BA(Hons), MA or PhD programmes at National Glass Centre from 1998 onwards can apply to show work in The Graduates. Applications must be made by submission of a completed application form, along with up to five images of the object you would like to show, and a copy of your CV.
The Selection Panel
All applications will be considered for inclusion in the exhibition by a selection panel. The members of the panel are:
Reino Liefkes: Senior Curator Ceramics and Glass, Decorative Art & Sculpture Department, Victoria & Albert Museum
Helen Ritchie: Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary, Applied Arts, Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge
Julia Stephenson: Head of Arts, National Glass Centre
Guidance on Submitting Work
We advise that applicants submit one artwork for the consideration of the selection panel.
We do accept that one artwork may consist of a number of parts in some cases.
There is no size restriction, but it may be difficult to include very large works if, for example, they are difficult to transport, or if the work takes us so much space in the gallery it prevents the inclusion of a number of other artists.
In certain circumstances we will include photographs of artwork in the exhibition. Examples include public art, site specific installations and stained glass included with the structure of a building.
You can submit artwork that has been created at any point from your graduation to date.
Submitted artwork must not present a danger to the building, staff or visitors.
Display
National Glass Centre primarily exhibits work on open display. We have a limited number of barriers to create a secure space around certain artworks and a limited number of plinth covers to protect smaller works. The gallery space is staffed while open. It is anticipated that the exhibition will be displayed in the National Glass Centre Gallery and along the length of the balcony running from reception to the Pod.
Transport of Work
Wherever possible, we will aim to support the cost of artwork transported within the UK. We have a fixed budget for this and will only be able to confirm support for transport costs once we have completed the selection process.
While we are keen to receive work from outside of the UK, we are unable to cover international shipping and import and export charges. Unfortunately, this decision has had to be made due to budget limitations.
Sale of Work
We are unable to sell work through the exhibition; however, we can include a website address on the object label and advise visitors to contact artists direct to discuss potential sales. National Glass Centre will not add commission for any sales.
Insurance
If National Glass Centre arranges shipping, the artwork will be insured from the point of collection and until it is returned to the artist.
If the artist arranges shipping the artwork will be insured from arrival at National Glass Centre and until it leaves the building.
Retail
If your application is successful, we may be able to display additional examples of your work in National Glass Centre’s shop.
Use of Images
Artists making a successful application will agree to allow National Glass Centre to use images of artwork for non-commercial use to promote the exhibition.
We recommend sending images with a minimum size of 300dpi
Key Dates
The deadline for receipt of applications is Sunday 14th September 2025. We reserve the right not to accept applications after midnight on the 14th.
Applicants will be notified of the selection panel’s decision during the week beginning 6th October 2025.
We may not be able to provide individual feedback to applicants; however, we will aim to do so depending on the number of applications received.
Work must be received by 5pm on Friday 19th December 2025
Artworks will be held in National Glass Centre’s secure store and unpacked during the week beginning 5th January 2026.
The early arrival date has been set to avoid potential problems occurring over the busy Christmas period.
The exhibition will be installed from 12th – 30th January 2026.
Artists are not required for the installation period unless there is are specific installation requirements which mean that attendance is necessary.
The Graduates will open to the public on Saturday 31st January 2026 and will run until Friday 31st July 2026.
Artworks will be returned as soon as possible after the exhibition closes.
Celebration Event
A celebration event will be held. It is yet to be decided whether the focus will be an exhibition preview or a closing event.