Participate in Compact Prints 2024

22 Years of Compact Prints - International Print Exhibition, Auction and Exchange

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts invites artists working in traditional and digital print media to participate in our 12th international print program. The program is greatly anticipated, and shared widely via printmaking organisations, artist participants' networks and online. Compact Prints 2024 is a celebration of current print practices, embracing both traditional and contemporary methods. The program provides artists a forum to exchange artwork and ideas. It also provides an opportunity to exhibit in a contemporary art space while supporting Umbrella through its fundraising auction. Explore the previous years' prints, exhibitions and more details here.

Participation
Artists can register by paying the $25 AU administration fee and submit artwork details (via the payment and form sections on this page) by 5pm Friday 31 May 2024. Artists must then post / deliver 3 identical prints (from the 1 edition) to Umbrella by the deadline below. 1 print is exhibited (and kept by Umbrella for archiving and potential touring); 1 is auctioned as a fundraiser for Umbrella and to assist with event costs; and 1 print is posted as an artwork exchange with another participant, through a random selection process. The exhibition, artworks and details will also be documented and presented digitally for international and Australian audiences to explore.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are based in a country banned from the VISA and MasterCard networks or severely impacted by military conflict, please get in contact as we can waive your registration fee.

Artwork restrictions and recommendations
Participating artists need to provide 3 prints from 1 artwork edition. The paper size of each print must measure 12 x 12cm however the print may be any size on that paper (including full-page bleeds). Prints that are oversized may be omitted or cropped. Prints can include other materials / methods (e.g. chine-collé, stitching) provided that a form of printing is the primary method, and that each of the 3 prints is identical. Umbrella encourages artists to print on high-quality acid-free paper. Digital prints cannot just be photographs - they must be manipulated. There is no set theme however Umbrella reserves the right to monitor or refuse work that may cause offence to the general public. The prints must be newly created (after 1 January 2023).

Artworks must be received by Umbrella by 5pm (AEST) Friday 7 June 2024.
If you are sending your artwork by post, please ensure you send it well in advance of this due date. Umbrella strongly encourages entrants to use Express Post if possible, and recommends international artists to send works with at least 6 weeks' lead time and Australian artists to send with at least 2 weeks' lead time prior to 7 June 2024. Artworks received after the due date will not be exhibited.
If delivering your work in person, please deliver during Umbrella's regular opening hours (9am-5pm Tues-Fri / 9am-1pm Sat-Sun) to 408 Flinders St, Townsville QLD. Send your artworks by post to Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, PO Box 2394, Townsville, Qld, 4810 Australia.

Exhibition details
The exhibition opening will commence 6pm Friday 21 June 2024. The exhibition will be on display 21 June - 21 July 2024.

Auction details
Umbrella will hold a live auction event at the gallery on the night of Saturday 20 July 2024 (the last weekend of the exhibition). Full details to be announced soon. 

Exchange details
After the exhibition closes, Umbrella will select pairings for artwork exchanges using an automated, randomised process. Each participant will receive a letter detailing the print they are receiving and which artist received their exchange print. 

Full terms and conditions are listed below. 

Explore the 2002 - 2022 exhibition archive here.

Terms and conditions
1. The project, artwork restrictions, registration, artwork details and artwork delivery details are all outlined on this page and must be adhered to by participants. Umbrella reserves the right to postpone or extend dates for COVID-19 restrictions or any other reason, and would update the dates at this page if applicable.
2. Umbrella Studio Association Incorporated will handle all works with care. However, no responsibility will be taken for works damaged or lost in transit.
3. A $25.00 AU registration fee is required for all Australian and International participants for Compact Prints 2024. Registration name and contact details must be included with the payment. The fee secures the participating artist's participation, covers administration fees and postage for the exchange. It is non-refundable if for any reason the artist is unable to participate after submission of payment. International payment providers may take additional fees outside of Umbrella's control. 
4. The submission details including postal address must be current and correct to ensure that your exchange print will be sent to the correct address. If the artist's contact details change, they must email updated details to [email protected] by Friday 19 July 2024.
5. Each artist must (and is limited to) present 1 artwork edition with three prints.
6. The artist agrees to notify Umbrella if unable to enter their work by the deadline to complete the exchange. This may allow for another artist to participate.
7. Artist participants are responsible for the cost of producing the work and posting / delivering them to Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts. Umbrella will pay the return postage of the exchange print via Australia Post, but accepts no liability for works damaged or lost in transit.
8. By participating, registering and submitting artwork images and details, artists agree to adhere to all terms and conditions as outlined including exhibiting their work in Umbrella's gallery (and any potential subsequent tours), and having their work reproduced online and in print (including use for promotional purposes). Should an artist's image be used for promotion, Umbrella will endeavour to credit the artist whenever possible.

Printmaking Workshops

Umbrella will again be presenting a variety of printmaking workshops in the lead up to the Compact Prints submission deadline. Follow Umbrella's social media for workshop details as they are announced, or join the waitlist by contacting us.  

Compact Prints Junior

Umbrella is encouraging the next generation of printmakers with a dedicated program for school students based in the North Queensland region. The full details and forms are available here. Please join the waitlist for future years or if you wish to ask any questions by contacting us.  

Artwork registration for Compact Prints 2024 is now open!

Registration for the 2024 exhibition is required by 5pm (AEST) Friday 31 May 2023. When registering in advance of your artwork submission, please keep the order number from the email you receive to use in your submission as your proof of payment.

REGISTER NOW

Artwork submissions for Compact Prints 2024 is now open!

Artwork details must be submitted by 5pm (AEST) Friday 31 May 2024 using the form below. Please ensure that your artwork image is of a high-resolution and that your contact / address details are current.

Ensure you draft your application in a Word Document. This will ensure that you have it as a back up if your computer or technology with the online form glitches.