Exhibiting in the Fountain Court Foyer
The Parliament of New South Wales is a prominent public venue in the central business district of Sydney. Its high profile exhibition space, referred to as the Fountain Court, joins the heritage facade of the building to the modern offices behind.The exhibition walls are available for non-political exhibitions of a high curatorial and artistic standard.
The Parliament encourages NSW regional art, NSW indigenous artists, and art by ethnic communities within NSW.
An exhibition must have some connection to at least one of the following:
- the Parliament of New South Wales
- particular communities within the State
- the general community of New South Wales
An exhibition cannot appear to be attempting to contribute to a current political debate. Material should be in keeping with the profile of the parliamentary setting, be appropriate for general viewing, and not be overwhelmingly provocative. An exhibition cannot seek funding.
Who can use the Fountain Court for exhibitions?
Applications to use the exhibition space are invited from the following types of organisations:
- New South Wales Government department or public authority
- New South Wales local government body
- Australian Government department or public authority
- charitable or not-for-profit organisation
- consulates
Applications by groups of New South Wales' artists in which each artist is equally represented in the exhibition are also acceptable.
Exhibitions by solo artists will not be accepted.
How to book the Fountain Court
A member of Parliament, such as your local member, or a member with an interest in the organisation, must support the exhibition and act as the parliamentary host.
Once a member has agreed to support the exhibition, the exhibition coordinator should complete the form 'Application to Exhibit in Fountain Court' and lodge it with the Usher of the Black Rod. The application form will require you to provide the following information:
- name of the member of Parliament who has agreed to be the Parliamentary host
- name of the body or institution and any relevant information about the organisation
- name of the event/exhibition
- proposed dates of the exhibition
- name and contact details of the exhibition coordinator
- whether the exhibition is part of another function to be held at Parliament e.g. a dinner
- how the exhibition meets the criteria for approval
- space requirements for the exhibition
- amount and type of exhibition material
- permission to film/photograph the exhibition and associated events.
The application must be accompanied by a portfolio which could include a photographic example of the exhibit items, catalogues, professional referees, artists' impressions of the exhibit, pictures of any stands/plinths or other equipment it is proposed to use in the exhibition. The portfolio must provide enough detail to enable the quality and suitability of the exhibition to be determined.
If approval is provided, the exhibition coordinator will be forwarded an Agreement. Associated activities, including related work, advertising and promotion may not commence until the Agreement has been signed by the exhibition coordinator and the Presiding Officers (or their representative).
For further information please contact the Office of the Black Rod on (02) 9230 2620.
Further information is also available in the following documents:
