KINETIC
A large-scale exhibition showing the possibilities of movement and making.
Image: Lucy Baxendale
With works from across the UK in all scales, ranging from simple to complex, decorative to everyday, powered by hand, engine, wind, or clockwork, and using diverse media, this show will be an inspiring and playful introduction to the world of artists, makers, and designers, who incorporate engineering into their craft, or craft into their engineering. We welcome proposals in a wide variety of media, and collaborations are strongly encouraged.
There will be plenty of opportunities for audiences to engage, learn skills, and have fun with interactive exhibits, and a programme of events, such as demonstrations, workshops, and talks. From jewellery that moves, through playful automata, to bicycles: how do these artists, makers, and designers incorporate moving into their making?
Important dates:
Deadline for Applications: 31 July 2025
Delivery dates: 13 – 16 January 2026
Exhibition dates: 24 January – 18 April 2026
Preview date: Friday 23 January 2026
Takedown dates: 21 – 23 April 2026
Image: Sarah Vigars
Image: Victoria Walker
Image: Pi Manson
Why exhibit in KINETIC?
FREE application process and participation
The opportunity to showcase your work to a new audience at MAKE Southwest (in 2024, an average exhibition saw over 16,000 visitors to its galleries, as well as 21K social media followers)
We will help with costs of getting work to and from the gallery
Extensive marketing to local and national press and digital publications
Opportunities to run paid-for workshops and events
Opportunities to get involved with MAKE Southwest’s lively making community
Sales Information
Work does not need to be for sale, however any work for sale will be subject to MAKE Southwest commission: 50% - sales agreement will be on a Sale or Return basis.
Selection Criteria
We are looking for artists, makers, and designers who:
Work in a field of craft, manufacturing, or making – we are keen to hear from people using any materials and skills, whether traditional or contemporary, self-taught or not, professional (making a living), or not!
Are using or incorporating moving parts into their work in a traditional, skilled, or innovative way. The moving parts can be the central feature, or not.
Produce innovative, imaginative work coupled with a sensitive use of appropriate materials
Are using craft/manufacturing techniques to produce their work; as a charity championing making, we are unable to accept painting or drawing without an element of making incorporated. Any other craft or medium is accepted, including but not limited to: photography, printmaking, wood, kinetic sculpture and installations, video and film (single-channel, multi-channel, or immersive), sound art and ambient compositions, interactive and digital works that respond to movement or sound, sculpture in any material, textiles, ceramics, glass, metalwork, as long as (in this particular case) they incorporate some moving element;
Show the highest standards of workmanship and design
Are aware of their environmental impact and can demonstrate a response to this
Image: Lucy Jean Green
Image: Pi Manson
Image: Lucy Baxendale, photography by Dan Barker
Image: Victoria Walker
Display
Please note: We will be sensitive to the display needs of the artist/maker - we will need the work to be ready to show; for example, with hanging strings on the back, or on a stand, however we expect to discuss whether the work should be covered, protected, or available to interact with at all times/at certain times/only under supervision/never. We ask for further detail if possible on the application form. For example, if the work is really fragile, we could perhaps show a film of the piece working, or have staff demonstrate it sometimes, but it would otherwise be kept under a Perspex lid or in a cabinet. All work is insured while on our premises by our insurance.
Our selection panel:
MAKE Southwest Exhibitions Team
+TBC
Deadline for applications is 31 July 2025.
Image: Sarah Vigars
Image: Lucy Jean Green
About the Organisers:
MAKE Southwest is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design located in Bovey Tracey on the edge of Dartmoor. Founded as Devon Guild of Craftsmen in 1955 by a small group of enthusiastic makers, MAKE Southwest has over 250 selected Members from the entire Southwest region representing a wide range of craft, art, and design. The organisation also supports craft education in a wider context through its educational charity, which includes its exhibition programme, projects in schools and community groups, lectures, and training. Apart from a handful of items, the MAKE Southwest Retail Gallery stocks only the work of its Members, while the exhibitions show a broad range of the best craft and design from artists based nationally and internationally. We welcome 100K visitors each year, and a programme at least 12 exhibitions per year, with notable recent shows including PULP, a celebration of international paper artists, and Artful Craft, curated by renowned sculptor Peter Randall-Page.
Image: Photography by Emma Booth