The Rising Gallery is a dedicated exhibition space for artists and makers to showcase their work in the heart of Shepton Mallet.
Created to support emerging and established creatives alike, the gallery offers an affordable, welcoming platform to share work. From painting and drawing to ceramics, sculpture and photography, The Rising Gallery celebrates a wide range of artistic practices within a calm, botanical setting.
What’s on
29th June - 26th July | Ann Clifford→
Exhibitions and Opportunities for Artists and Craftspeople
The Rising Gallery has been designed to make exhibiting accessible, supportive, and community-driven.
Affordable exhibition space
A flat fee of £150 per exhibition
No commission on sales
Artists retain 100% of their earnings
Flexible showcasing
Suitable for solo or joint exhibitions
Four-week exhibition periods
Plenty of time to build momentum and connect with visitors
The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm, as well as during the popular monthly Shepton Sunday Market (last Sunday of each month), offering consistent footfall and visibility.
More Than Just a Gallery
Exhibiting with The Rising Gallery is about more than wall space — it’s about creating a meaningful connection with the community.
A front window display is included as part of your exhibition
The exhibition is curated and presented by The Rising Gallery
Promotion is supported across The Rising Gallery and The Black Thistle’s social media channels
Artists have access to a dedicated space to host a talk or workshop during their exhibition
Workshops and talks are free to attend and bookable via the website, offering a chance to share your process, story, and skills with a wider audience.
Exhibit with The Rising Gallery
We’re always looking to welcome new artists and makers into The Rising Gallery. Whether you’re just starting out or have exhibited before, this is a space designed to support you in sharing your work with a wider audience.
If you’re interested in exhibiting, we’d love to hear from you.
You don’t need to have a fully formed exhibition proposal — just a sense of your work and what you’d like to share. We aim to keep the process simple, open, and accessible, especially for those who may be exhibiting for the first time.
When applying, it’s helpful to include:
A short introduction about you and your practice
Examples of your work (images, website, or social media links)
An idea of what you’d like to exhibit
Any preferred calendar month (if you have them in mind)
We review all enquiries on a rolling basis and will be in touch to discuss availability, suitability, and next steps.
Submit your interest using the form to the right or email info@therisinggallery.co.uk, and we’ll be in touch soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We welcome applications from artists and maker at all stages - whether it’s your first exhibition or one of many. We’re particularly keen to support those looking for an accessible and welcoming space to share their work.
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Flat fee of £150 for solo or joint exhibition.
There is no commission on sales, so you keep 100% of what you sell.
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Each exhibition runs for four weeks, giving you time to build interest and connect with visitors.
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We welcome a wide range of practices, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media. If you’re unsure whether your work fits the space, feel free to get in touch - we’re always happy to chat.
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When you exhibit with The Rising Gallery, you’ll receive:
A dedicated exhibition space within The Black Thistle
A curated display, including use of the front window
Promotion across The Rising Gallery and The Black Thistle’s social media channels
The opportunity to host a free talk or workshop during your exhibition
We aim to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible, so you can focus on your work.
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No you do not have to steward the exhibition. The gallery is open at the same time as The Black Thistle Shop.
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Yes - the exhibition and window display will be thoughtfully curated by The Rising Gallery to ensure your work is presented beautifully and cohesively within the space.
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Absolutely. Shared exhibitions are very welcome and can be a lovely way to collaborate or reduce costs.
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Yes - exhibitions are promoted via The Rising Gallery and The Black Thistle’s social media platforms, helping you reach both local visitors and a wider audience.
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Of course!
We aim to create a space that feels supportive, relaxed, and community-focused.
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Simply fill in the form above or email info@therisinggallery.co.uk with a bit about you and your work, and we’ll be in touch.
You don’t need a fully formed proposal - just a sense of what you’d like to share.