The Avant Garden

Guiding Principles

Who is the foundation For:

To promote the artistic endeavour of all, we encourage all to submit work.

We want to give YOU the opportunity to make art– we believe in its power.

From the most established artist to people who have never studied art, the SGP is open to those willing to be creatively brave.

Reasons For Being:

The Avant Garden is the annual exhibition of art at the SGP. It is entirely independent, funded by the viewers of the art themselves.

There are no judges, juries or prizes. The Avant Garden does not further ratify the rule of the critics.

Any artist can submit work. All work can and will be displayed. Unlike a gallery, there are no limitations of space.

There are no barriers between viewer and art installation. The art is there and as such is an invitation – to be touched, climbed over or hidden under.

Most importantly, we believe in the liberation of artistic endeavour. The creation of art is not beyond the capacity of anyone.

What art is targeted:

The Secret Garden Party is a challenging, dynamic and primarily an open-air exhibition space. It is also a ‘gallery’ that runs an annual theme.

We welcome all art but will favour that which explores the theme and truly maximises the freedom afforded by the Secret Garden space.

In the past artists have exhibited or adapted existing work as well as creating entirely new pieces.

Visual, sonic, sculptural, performance, painted, film… all art forms are welcome.

Funding & suppport:

Grants and build support are available to all who apply. The foundation has a small budget but often an art installation can be realised with the smallest of contributions.

Due to these financial restrictions we can often cover only the material, transport and travel costs involved in constructing the piece.

If the work is time consuming to produce the foundation will pay the artist a fixed fee for their work.

Time tables & Small Print:

All applications must be presented by the 15th June. Those that are submitted earlier will have a greater chance of receiving grant support.

All potential Avant Gardeners need to be prepared to travel to London to meet the directors if their application is successful.

You will expected to carefully manage the build and break of your piece – everything that comes into The Garden must also be removed.