Applications to use The Front Room are assessed by the Beaney Programming Group. The group meets every 6 months. Each application will be judged on:

• how well it meets the shared priorities of the Canterbury Museums and Galleries Vision and Strategy
• how well it fits into the overall exhibitions programme
• what, if any, influence and inspiration The Beaney’s varied collections have had on the application
• how well the proposal corresponds with The Beaney’s aims of working with target audiences such as young people and families and facilitating projects that have an integral health and wellbeing element

Please be aware that due to high demand not everyone, unfortunately, will be successful even if they meet all the criteria. Applications are welcome from community groups, cultural organisations, artists and artists’ collectives from within Kent.

The  hire fee is £1350 + VAT for an 8 week period, in addition to 3 days for installation and take down. This may increase in the new financial year. A 20% deposit must be paid to secure your booking. 

The hire fee is to be paid on return of your signed contract, which will be sent with a timeline of key dates to ensure the smooth planning, install and display of your works. The balance must be paid in full 1 month in advance of the agreed hire period. 

When hiring the Front Room no commission will be charged for selling shows. Sales will be handled at all times by the exhibitor.

Exhibitors are required to hang their own exhibitions.Tools and access equipment must be provided by the exhibitors. 

Hanging methods, required standards and arrangement of works will be discussed in advance with museum staff prior to installation. The Beaney will not provide invigilation for any part of the exhibition and exhibitors are responsible for ensuring works are securely installed.

Exhibitors are required to make good any fixing holes or similar made in walls, and to leave the space as they found it.

The Beaney will support promotion of your exhibition by providing design and print for exhibition posters, labels and panels as set out in the contract.

The Beaney will provide insurance for exhibits through the Council’s insurers from the date of installation until take down. The exhibitor must supply insurance values to the museum at least two months before the exhibition.

Exhibitors are required to provide a copy of their Public Liability insurance of up to £5 million to cover anyone working on the installation and take down of the exhibition and for the duration of the show.

Exhibitors are responsible for arranging transport and insurance whilst the work is in transit of exhibits to and from The Beaney and the costs incurred thereby.

Front Room gallery exhibitions are open for the museum opening times and must remain in situ for the duration of the exhibition dates given.

Previews and similar events for exhibitions in the Front Room are possible to arrange by prior agreement with the Museum staff. They must take place during normal Beaney opening times and will still be accessible to museum visitors.

Any costs must be met by the exhibitors. Invitations produced by the hirer must be submitted before printing and/or digital distribution to ensure they meet with Beaney branding guidelines.