Are you a local artist or maker with work you would like to show at the Alex, in exhibitions, cabinets, gallery or stalls at events here?
This page explains the options (it’s a frequently asked question with several different answers!)
ANY OPEN CALLS FOR WORK will be shown as highlighted like this – link to information/online registration forms.
We will be using the term Art at the Alex CIO when we are flagging an exhibition that is organised by trustees of the charity based at the Alex.
- EXHIBITIONS
Each month we have solo, joint or group exhibitions in the galleries. We also display 3D work in the cabinets. Some exhibitions combine both. Some have themes or qualifiers but most don’t. Most exhibitors (very few exceptions, for specific exhibitions) are based within 15 miles of Rugby (excluding Coventry).
We have Open exhibitions, which are an ideal way for newer artists, or those unfamiliar with our set up, to start showing work here, perhaps showing a single item. We sometimes have exhibitions on a theme (e.g. all printmakers), or on a topic (e.g. Rugby Town).
If you have a body of work which you think would make a good show (solo or as part of a group) email artatthealex@gmail.com and send at least one picture of the work you propose to show.
THE OPEN/GROUP EXHIBITIONS AT THE ALEX
(Email artatthealex@gmail.com if you wish to know more about these).
SALON DES REFUSES (Art at the Alex CIO)
February to early March (annually, special conditions apply, with private view)
ART AT THE ALEX: SUMMER ART EXHIBITION
July (annually, across 2 weeks in mid-month, with private view)
NORTHANTS AND RUTLAND OPEN STUDIOS
September (whole month) and coinciding with Heritage Open Days, the studios will be showing work/holding events. Any NROS activity may include artists outside Rugby local area. (In 2026 we are not taking part in Warwickshire Open Studios Summer Art Weeks but expect to return in 2027).
THE RUGBY TOWN and OTHER ‘RUGBY THEMED’ EXHIBITIONS (Art at the Alex CIO);
Open entry, theme of Rugby and (other) area. October (month-long) and may coincide with Literary Festival (check). In 2026 the there is Rugby: People and Places.
ART AT ALEXMAS EXHIBITION (Art at the Alex CIO)
December (whole month). For 2026 the theme has yet to be confirmed,
CALL NOW OPEN FOR LOCAL ARTISTS
– SEE INFORMATION with links to online information form.
SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS (Gallery and Cabinet spaces)
There are four small-medium sized gallery spaces at the Alex, plus a new Pavilion space in 2026:
* The Bar Gallery
* The Cafe Gallery
* The Garden Room Gallery
* The Print Room Gallery
Three cabinet arrangements available (accommodating eight+ artists in total, these are rented monthly when not used as part of an exhibition)
* Cafe Bar Cabinet
* Print Room Cabinet
* Garden Room Cabinet (there may be up to three of these in use)