Rainbow Exhibition Eltham Library Community Gallery 2026: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ arts and culture

The Eltham Library Community Gallery (ELCG) is inviting proposals from artists and guest curators for our 2026 Rainbow exhibition.

LGBTQIA+ artists and/or curators are invited to submit ideas for a solo, curated or group exhibition. The exhibition will be presented at the ELCG from the 24 January 2026 to 1 March 2026.

Its free to exhibit at the ELCG. The successful exhibition will be put forward as a Midsumma event, and will be supported with a project fee, an opening celebration, and marketing and installation support. We strongly encourage applicants to visit the gallery space before applying.

For further information and to view evaluation criteria visit the Exhibition Information and Terms and Conditions.

Applicants are encouraged to contact us about any access requirements via artsinfo@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or 9433 3359.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, culturally or linguistically diverse people, LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse people and emerging artists and curators.

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Criteria for determining successful proposals include:

• 30% Quality of exhibition
• 20% Eligibility for Midsumma Festival 2026
• 15% Suitability to exhibit (exhibition considers the unique gallery space and is suitable for all audiences, the gallery is located in a public space at the entrance of Eltham Library)
• 10% Local or connection to the Shire 

The remaining 25% is derived from responses to demographic questions.

• 5% each, Identifies as one or more of Nillumbik’s priority group demographics (First Nations Person - Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Culturally or Linguistically Diverse, Person with disability / chronic illness / mental health, LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse, Age - Emerging Artist aged between 18-29)

Exhibition proposals will be assessed by a panel comprised of members from the Nillumbik Council Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, a Social Planning and Equity team member, and Arts & Cultural Development team members.