SMALL! 2026 Exhibition – Terms & Conditions

DOWNLOAD T&Cs PDF

Key Dates

By submitting an entry, artists agree to the following exhibition schedule:

• Entries close: Monday 9 November 2026, 5:00pm
• Artwork delivery deadline: Friday 20 November 2026, 5:00pm
  • Artworks may be delivered at any time after submitting your entry. Early delivery is encouraged.
  • If posting your artwork, please allow at least one week for delivery and send it to: fortyfivedownstairs gallery
    Lower Ground
    45 Flinders Lane
    Melbourne VIC 3000
    Australia
• Preview Night: Wednesday 2 December 2026, 5:00 – 7:00pm – BOOK HERE
• Opening Night: Thursday 3 December 2026, 5:00 – 7:00pm
• Closing Event & Prize Announcement: Thursday 17 December 2026, 5:00 – 7:00pm
• Exhibition dates: Thursday 3 December – Thursday 17 December 2026
• Unsold Artwork collection: Friday 18 December, 12:00 – 6:30pm and Saturday 19 December, 12:00 – 3:30pm

Eligibility

• SMALL! is open to all artists living in Australia.
• There are no age restrictions.

Artwork Requirements

• Artists may submit a maximum of two artworks (one artwork per submission).
• Artworks must not exceed 20 × 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8 × 8 inches), including any frame or display apparatus.
• Artworks may be smaller than these dimensions.
• All artworks will be displayed anonymously.
• Artworks must be ready to hang and able to be securely displayed on a wall (e.g. hanging wire, D-rings or canvas stretcher). Unframed works on paper will be pinned.
• Artworks requiring power must use tested and tagged electrical cords. Artists are responsible for providing batteries or other power sources. The gallery cannot replace batteries during the exhibition.
• Artworks must NOT be created with the use of AI, in any part or form.
• All artworks must arrive in good condition and be suitable for exhibition.
• fortyfivedownstairs reserves the right to decline or remove any artwork deemed unsuitable for display.
• Final curatorial decisions rest with the gallery. Where two artworks are submitted, they may be displayed separately.

Submission

• Entries must be submitted online by Monday 9 November 2026, 5:00pm.
• The entry fee is $25 per artwork and is non-refundable. If two artworks are submitted, they must be entered via separate forms.
• Artists are responsible for ensuring their artwork is delivered by Friday 20 November 2026, 5:00pm.
• Late artworks will not be exhibited and entry fees will not be refunded.

Labelling & Packaging

Labelling

Each artwork must be securely labelled on the back with:

• Artist name
• Artwork title
• Hanging orientation

Unlabelled or unidentifiable artworks may not be exhibited at the discretion of the gallery. Entry fees will not be refunded.

Packaging

• Packaging will not be stored by fortyfivedownstairs. Artists should take their packaging with them after delivering their artwork and reuse it when collecting the work.

Artwork Sales

• All artworks entered into SMALL! must be available for sale.
• Artworks are sold at a fixed price of $160.
• Artists receive $125 per artwork sold.
• fortyfivedownstairs retains a commission of $35.
• Prices are GST-inclusive where applicable.

Collection & Returns

• Unsold artworks must be collected during the advertised collection times unless return postage has been arranged.
• If you are unable to collect your work, you may nominate someone to collect it on your behalf. Please notify the gallery by email before the exhibition closes.
• Return postage is available within Australia only.
• Return postage purchased with your entry costs $25. This fee is non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.
• Return postage arranged after submitting your entry costs $40. This fee is non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.
• Returned artworks will be dispatched within 30 days of the exhibition closing. Please allow this time for packing and postage.

Late Collection

Artworks not collected, and for which no alternative collection or return arrangements have been made, will be held for four weeks after the collection dates. After this time, they may be disposed of by the gallery.

Liability

• fortyfivedownstairs will take reasonable care of artworks while they are in its possession.
• All artworks are exhibited and stored at the artist’s own risk.
• fortyfivedownstairs accepts no responsibility for loss of or damage to artworks.

Copyright & Image Reproduction

• By entering SMALL! 2026, artists grant fortyfivedownstairs permission to reproduce images of submitted artworks, free of charge, for promotional, educational and publicity purposes across print and digital media.
• Copyright of the artwork remains with the artist.
• Images of selected and prize-winning artworks may be published on the fortyfivedownstairs website, social media channels and other promotional material.

Refunds

• Entry fees are non-refundable.

SMALL! 2026 FAQs

DOWNLOAD FAQs

Please also see our SMALL! 2026 T&Cs.

Eligibility

Am I eligible to participate in SMALL!?

SMALL! is open to artists of all ages and experience levels, including children, emerging artists and established artists.

Artists must be living in Australia.

All submitted artworks will be exhibited (unless they do not meet the requirements outlined below).

Artwork Requirements

What size can my artwork be?

All artworks must measure under 20 x 20 x 20cm on all sides, including any framing.

Artworks can be 2D (such as painting, drawing, photography or printmaking) or 3D (such as wall sculpture or ceramics), but must be suitable for hanging on a wall.

How do I measure my artwork?

All artworks are measured as: Height x Width x Depth. Framed works are measured from the external edge of the frame. The total external dimensions of framed artworks must be under 20 x 20 x 20cm.

Does my artwork need to be framed?

No. However, all artworks must arrive ready to hang.

What does “ready to hang” mean?

Your artwork must arrive ready for installation. Examples of artworks that are considered “ready to hang” include:

• Framed works with suitable hanging fixtures, such as wire, D-rings or sawtooth fixtures.
• Unframed canvases (which will be hung from their stretcher bars).
• Unframed works on paper (which may be pinned). Please affix adhesive tabs if you do not want your work to be pinned.

fortyfivedownstairs will not accept artworks that are not suitable for installation. This includes:

• Works with unsuitable hanging methods, such as string, double-sided tape or no hanging mechanism.
• Paintings that are not fully dry at artwork drop off.
• Frames that are damaged, unstable or unsuitable for exhibition.
• Artworks that may damage other artworks.

Where can I find frames under 20cm?

Good places to look include:

• Framing stores, which often stock ready-made frames, canvases and boards.
• Homewares and home décor stores.
• Op shops and second-hand stores.

If you are based in Melbourne, we recommend checking out Frames Readymade. Their Reclaimed + Range of Artist Packs, which includes sizes from 4” x 4” to 5” x 7”, are excellent as pre-framed boards for paintings, while their ‘Seconds Stock’ in 4” x 6” and 5” x 7” are ideal for framing photos and drawings.

Check the external dimensions carefully before purchasing. The size listed on a frame usually refers to the size of artwork it holds, not the overall size of the frame. A frame advertised as 20 x 20cm may therefore measure more than 20 x 20cm once the frame and backing are included.

Because all framed artworks must measure under 20 x 20 x 20cm externally, we recommend choosing a frame with an advertised artwork size smaller than 20 x 20cm and checking its actual external measurements.

Please note: Some ready-made frames advertised as having a 20 x 20 cm external frame size actually exceed the SMALL size limit. Here are some common KMART frames where the exterior measurements exceed 20 cm (even though they are labelled as 20 cm):

• ‘Nice Photo Frame – 6 in. x 6 in. (15 x 15 cm)’ (exterior measures 22.5 cm)
• ‘Nice Photo Frame – 4 in. x 6 in. (10 x 15 cm)’ (exterior measures 22.5 cm)
• ‘Manhattan Frame – 4 in. x 6 in.’ (exterior measures 22.5 cm)
• ‘6 Piece Gallery Frame Set’ (exterior measures 21.5 cm)

Can I enter a diptych, triptych or multiple works as one artwork?

Yes, provided all components together measure under 20 x 20 x 20cm when installed.

The work will be displayed as a single artwork, with one title and sale price. The parts cannot be sold separately.

Can I enter a 3D artwork?

Yes, as long as the artwork measures less than 20 cm in all dimensions and can be hung on the wall, it is acceptable. For example, you could submit a ceramic plate and include hanging plate wires, such as these ones available from Bunnings.

Do you accept artworks requiring power?

Powered artworks may be accepted if they can be connected to a standard power outlet and have been tagged and tested by a qualified electrician.

Artists must provide batteries or other power sources for battery-operated works. The gallery cannot replace batteries during the exhibition.

Can I use AI to create my artwork?

No. Artworks generated through AI, even partially, will not be accepted.

Submission

How do I enter?

To enter SMALL!, scroll further down on this page, complete the online Entry Form and pay the entry fee.

We will need your name, address, bank account details (to pay you for sold artworks), your ABN (if you have one), your artwork details (title, medium, size, colour), and an image of your artwork (even if it isn’t finished).

What is the entry fee?

The entry fee is $25.

How many artworks can I enter?

Each artist may submit a maximum of two artworks. Each artwork must be entered separately, with a separate Entry Form and $25 entry fee for each artwork.

What is the deadline?

The deadline is Monday 9 November 2026, 5pm. Late entries will not be accepted.

Does my artwork need to be completed by the entry deadline?

No. The entry deadline is for submitting the Entry Form only. Artworks must be completed and exhibition-ready by the Artwork Drop Off dates.

Why do I need to submit an image of my artwork?

All eligible artworks will be exhibited. Images are used to identify and administer artworks throughout SMALL!. By submitting an artwork image, artists grant fortyfivedownstairs permission to use images of their artwork for SMALL! marketing and promotional purposes, including online, social media, media releases and promotional materials.

How do I know my entry is confirmed?

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of submitting your entry. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam or junk folder. If you still have not received confirmation after 24 hours, contact: [email protected]

My submission form is not working. What should I do?

Try:

• Refreshing your browser.
• Ensuring images are under 2MB. You can take a screenshot of your image to reduce file size.
• Using a different browser.

If the issue continues, contact: [email protected] or 03 9662 9966

I received a notification that SMALL! has reached maximum capacity when I tried to submit my entry. Can I still enter?

SMALL! can accept a maximum of 1,000 entries. Once this limit has been reached, the online Entry Form will close and no further entries can be accepted.

Can I edit my submission after submitting?

Please ensure all information is correct before submitting. If you need to amend information, contact: [email protected]. No amendments can be made after Friday 20 November 2026, 5pm.

How is my information used?

Information supplied through the Entry Form is used only by fortyfivedownstairs staff for SMALL!. Artist information will not be shared with third parties or used for other purposes. Artist addresses may be used for return postage arrangements, and bank details may only be used in the event of an artwork sale.

Why do you have a limit of 1000 entries for SMALL! 2026?

Unfortunately, we cannot store or display more than 1000 artworks in our gallery. As SMALL! has grown every year since it began in 2018, we have had to limit the number of entries to 1000 artworks. Please enter as early as possible to avoid missing out. If we receive more than 1000 entries before the final submission date of 9 November, we will have to close submissions early.

Artwork Care and Responsibility

How will my artwork be cared for during SMALL!?

fortyfivedownstairs will take reasonable care of artworks while they are in its possession; however, artists acknowledge that artworks are exhibited and stored at their own risk.

fortyfivedownstairs accepts no responsibility for loss of, or damage to, artworks.

fortyfivedownstairs’ reasonable care obligation does not extend to:

• Normal wear and tear.
• Inherent faults, weaknesses or deterioration in the artwork or materials.
• Damage caused by inadequate packaging or transportation.
• Damage caused by unsuitable hanging methods, installation requirements or artwork preparation.

Artists are responsible for ensuring artworks are appropriately packaged, transported and prepared for exhibition.

Artwork Drop Off

When do I need to deliver my artwork?

Artwork must be received by: Friday 20 November 2026. Works can be delivered during gallery opening hours anytime before this date.

Late artworks cannot be accepted and entry fees will not be refunded.

Can someone else drop off my artwork?

Yes. A friend or nominated proxy may deliver your artwork on your behalf.

Can I send my artwork by post?

Yes. We accept artworks sent by post or courier.

Please send artworks to:

fortyfivedownstairs gallery
Lower Ground
45 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia

Please package your artwork securely using materials suitable for return postage.

Do I need to label my artwork?

Yes. Each artwork must be securely labelled on the back with:

• Artist name.
• Artwork title.
• Hanging orientation.

Unlabelled or unidentifiable artworks may not be exhibited.

Do I need to bring packaging?

No packaging will be stored for artworks dropped off in person. Artists should take their packaging with them after delivery and reuse it for artwork collection. fortyfivedownstairs will only store packaging for artworks sent by post or courier to the gallery.

Collection and Return

When can I collect my unsold artwork?

Artwork collection dates: Friday 18 December, 12:00 – 6:30pm and Saturday 19 December, 12:00 – 3:30pm.

What do I need to do when collecting my artwork?

When collecting your artwork, you must:

• Check in with gallery staff so your artwork can be located and recorded.
• Provide identification before your artwork can be released.

No artwork will be released without verification of ownership or proof of identity.

Can someone else collect my artwork?

Yes. You may nominate a proxy to collect your artwork. Please email the name of your nominated proxy to: [email protected]. Their identification will be checked before the artwork is released.

I cannot collect my artwork on the collection days and I don’t have anyone to collect for me. What are my options?

You have the option to have your artwork returned by post during the submission process for a fee of $25.

If you are unable to collect your artwork and did not arrange for return postage when you submitted it, please contact the gallery before the end of the exhibition (17 December). Please note that if you arrange for return postage after submitting, the fee will be $40.

Return postage fees are non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.

Artworks that are not collected, and where no alternative arrangements have been made, will be held for four weeks after collection dates. After this time, artworks may be disposed of by the gallery.

When will the posted artworks be returned?

Returned artworks will be dispatched within 30 days of the exhibition closing. Please allow additional time for packing and postage.

Exhibition Events

What is the preview night?

The preview night is an exclusive ticketed event for collectors to view and purchase works before the exhibition opens. You can book your ticket here.

When is the opening night?

The SMALL! opening night will be held on Thursday 3 December 2026, 5-7pm. All artists and members of the public are invited to attend. No RSVP is required. Due to the popularity of the event, we encourage visitors to allow space for others by keeping their visit brief.

When is the closing night?

The SMALL! closing night will be held on Thursday 17 December, 5-7pm. Prize winners will be announced at the closing event. All artists and members of the public are invited to attend. No RSVP is required.

When is the exhibition open?

The exhibition will be open Thursday 3 December to Thursday 17 December.

Gallery hours: Tuesday–Friday: 12–7pm, Saturday: 12–4pm

Artwork Sales

Do artworks need to be for sale?

Yes. All artworks entered into SMALL! must be available for purchase. All works will be priced at $160.

How much do I receive if my artwork sells?

The artist will receive $125 and fortyfivedownstairs will receive $35 commission.

Can I reserve an artwork for someone else to buy?

No.

How can someone purchase artworks in SMALL!?

Interested collectors can purchase artworks in person at the gallery or on our online gallery shop. Artworks will only be available online after 4 December 2026.

Anonymity

Why are artworks displayed anonymously?

SMALL! presents artworks anonymously to encourage visitors to choose works based on their personal connection and response to the artwork, rather than the artist’s identity.

Artist identities are revealed only after a work has sold.

Will buyers know who created their artwork?

Yes. The artist’s name will be shared with the buyer after purchase.

Can I share my artwork on social media?

You are welcome to promote your participation in SMALL! on social media. However, please do not post images of your artwork identifying it as a SMALL! entry, as artworks remain anonymous throughout the exhibition.

Prizes

What prizes are available?

Prize categories include: Under 18 Prize, Painting Prize, Drawing Prize, Printmaking Prize, Sculpture Prize, Photography Prize, Textile Prize, Mixed Media Prize, People’s Choice Award.

Prize values will be confirmed closer to the exhibition, but will likely include vouchers from Melbourne-based art supply stores valued between $50–$150.

Who judges the prizes?

Prizes are judged by a selection panel of artists, curators and arts workers.

When will prize winners be announced?

Prize winners will be announced at the closing night Thursday 17 December 2026, 5-7pm.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact:

[email protected]

Wednesday 2 December 2026, 5-7pm

Join us for the preview night of SMALL! 2026 and be among the first to explore and choose from our annual community-sourced small works exhibition before it opens to the public on 3 December.

In SMALL!, every artwork is 20 × 20 cm or smaller, priced at $160, and displayed anonymously.

Open to artists of all ages and experience levels, the exhibition brings the work of established professionals, emerging talents and young artists together, side by side. Expect an eclectic mix of styles and media, including painting, drawing, sketches, prints, textiles and small sculptural works.

With the artist’s identity kept secret, SMALL! creates a level playing field, inviting you to choose a work based purely on personal connection and aesthetic appeal. The artist is revealed only after the work is sold – making every purchase a little surprise and a celebration of artistic equality.

Plus, one lucky ticket holder will win the door prize: an artwork of their choice!

Drinks and nibbles included – service concludes at 6.45pm.

.