Media Platform &
Creative Studio
The Nearness of Things
It all begins with an act that is both ordinary and demanding: paying attention. Before ecological awareness becomes knowledge, policy, or responsibility, it may begin with the suspension of distraction, with the decision to remain beside something long enough for it to appear.
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The Nearness of Things approaches seeing not as a detached act, but as a sensory and relational experience. To look closely is to discover that the world is not composed of passive objects arranged around human life. Materials, organisms, surfaces, and remnants participate in an environment of mutual influence, where the boundaries between observer and observed are less stable than they first appear.
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The exhibition therefore proposes no single method of looking and no perfect route towards care. Instead, it creates a space in which perception can slow down, deepen, and become answerable to what surrounds us. Care may begin there: in the moment when something stops being merely present and becomes impossible to overlook.
Exhibition: The Nearness of Things
Dates: 23–25 October 2026
Venue: Blank Canvas, 56 Dawes Road, London SW6 7EJ
Private View: 23 October 2026, 5:00–8:00 PM
Curator: Joana Alarcão
Submission deadline: 4 October 2026Artists may submit up to three works for consideration. The curator may select one, two, or all three works, depending on their suitability for the exhibition and the available gallery space. Please ensure that each submitted work is clearly documented
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Artists at any stage of their career are welcome to apply, including emerging and established artists.
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We welcome submissions from artists of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and nationalities.
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All artistic media are eligible, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, installation, printmaking, video, sound, digital art, mixed media, and socially engaged practices.
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Submitted work should relate meaningfully to the exhibition’s themes.
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Artists may submit work that is already completed or will be completed by the exhibition dates.
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All selected artists will receive:
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Inclusion in The Nearness of Things exhibition.
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Inclusion in the exhibition’s printed catalogue.
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Professional photography of their exhibited artwork.
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Promotion through the exhibition’s communication channels and social media.
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The opportunity to be considered for a short video interview.
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In addition, five selected artists will be invited to participate in a recorded video interview. These interviews will be shared on the organisation’s social media channels and website, offering the selected artists additional visibility and an opportunity to discuss their practice and the work presented in the exhibition.
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There is no fee to submit an application.
Selected artists will be asked to pay a €150 participation fee. The fee is payable only after selection and is non-refundable.
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The fee includes:
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Inclusion in the group exhibition.
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Catalogue production.
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Professional photography of the exhibited artwork.
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Support for the IOAEA Public Programme.
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Submission deadline: 4 October 2026.
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Exhibition dates: 23–25 October 2026.
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Private View: 23 October 2026, 5:00–8:00 PM.
Selected artists will be contacted after the submission deadline with confirmation, payment information, shipping instructions, and the remaining exhibition details.
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FAQs
Does IOAEA cover shipping costs for artworks?
No, shipping costs are the responsibility of the artists. However, IOAEA will provide logistical support and help arrange all shipping details if you choose to send physical artworks.
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What are my options for displaying work in the exhibition?
If you are an artist based outside the UK, you have three options:
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Ship physical artworks if needed - You cover shipping costs, we handle logistics.
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Print locally - We can arrange printing to avoid shipping costs entirely.
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Sound or audiovisual work.
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Who is responsible for printing costs if I choose local printing?
Printing costs are the artist's responsibility, just like shipping costs. IOAEA only handles the logistical aspects - we coordinate with local printing services, help with technical specifications, and manage the scheduling, but all printing expenses are covered by the artist. This allows you to maintain control over print quality and budget while benefiting from our local printing partnerships and expertise.
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Who handles the exhibition setup and opening?
The IOAEA team manages all aspects of exhibition preparation, installation, and opening event. Artists are not required to be present for setup.
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Are there additional fees for the exhibition?
No additional fees beyond the program fee. Artists only pay for shipping if they choose to send physical works or print their artwork.
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