Call Sculptor Members – Co-operative Gallery

Call for New Sculptor Members – Co-operative Gallery Opportunity (Leeds)

Deadline: 31/01/2026
City:
Leeds | Country:
United Kingdom | Peter Donnelly

The Sculpture Gallery is inviting applications from sculptors interested in becoming co‑operative members and co‑owners of the gallery. Successful applicants will join a small group of sculptors who collectively manage, curate, and develop the gallery. Members exhibit their own work on a rolling basis, support monthly guest artist exhibitions, and take part in the day‑to‑day running of the space. This opportunity is suited to sculptors who value collaboration, peer support, and shared responsibility within a professional gallery environment.

Organisation Description

The Sculpture Gallery is one of the UK’s few dedicated sculpture galleries, located in the historic Leeds Corn Exchange. The gallery is artist‑led and run as a co‑operative by practising sculptors. It is designed specifically to present 3D work to its optimum and supports both established and emerging sculptors through exhibitions, events, and professional collaboration.

What the Opportunity Offers

• Co‑operative membership and shared ownership of the gallery
• Regular exhibition of members’ work (typically around 6 pieces per member)
• A professionally presented gallery space in Leeds Corn Exchange
• Opportunities to exhibit alongside invited guest artists
• Participation in private views, events, and collective marketing
• A supportive network of fellow sculptors sharing skills, ideas, and experience

Member Responsibilities

• Gallery rota:
  Members are required to invigilate the gallery for approximately 5–6 days every 5 weeks, agreed collectively within a rota.
• Shared management:
  Members take part in decision‑making, gallery planning, and ongoing development as part of the co‑operative.
• Financial contribution:
  Members contribute an equal share towards running costs not covered by sales commission.

As a guide, this typically works out at approximately £150–£200 per month per artist
, depending on overall costs and membership numbers. This contribution covers expenses not met through sales commission, such as rent, utilities, insurance, and general gallery operations.

In addition, the gallery takes a 30% commission (after transaction costs) on sales of work, which contributes directly to running costs.

Full and up‑to‑date financial details will be shared and discussed with shortlisted applicants before any commitment is made.

• Sculptors working in any sculptural medium
• Artists with a strong, coherent portfolio
• Applicants must be willing to work collaboratively and take part in gallery duties
• UK‑based artists are preferred due to rota and in‑person responsibilities

This opportunity is open to sculptors working in any medium who have a strong, coherent body of work and are interested in becoming part of an artist‑led, co‑operative gallery. Applicants should be UK‑based and able to commit to regular in‑person involvement at the gallery. We welcome applications from early‑career, mid‑career, and established sculptors who are motivated, collaborative, and interested in contributing to the shared running and development of the gallery.

Questions

When is the deadline?

no later than Jan 31st 2026

How much does it cost?

There is no application fee. For successful applicants, the ongoing cost is a shared contribution towards the gallery’s running expenses, split equally between co‑operative members. As a guide, this typically works out at approximately £150–£200 per month per artist, depending on overall costs and membership numbers. This contribution covers expenses not met through sales commission, such as rent, utilities, insurance, and general gallery operations.

In addition, the gallery takes a 30% commission (after transaction costs) on sales of work, which contributes directly to running costs. Full and up‑to‑date financial details will be shared and discussed with shortlisted applicants before any commitment is made.

Does the location have disabled access?

Leeds Corn Exchange has step‑free access at street level and lift access within the building. If applicants or visitors have specific access requirements, we are happy to…