The 2020 Leeds Summer Group Show is part of a programme of annual summer group shows that started in 2015. During the global pandemic we created this online exhibition as a way to continue to support artists, to provide a platform to showcase art, sell work, and recognise an artist or collective by awarding a £500 cash prize.

Via an open call-out on CuratorSpace we received 395 submissions, the selection panel chose 38 for the online exhibition and six were shortlisted for the prize that was to be awarded via a public vote.

Due to the challenging set of circumstances the global pandemic presented, we were trying to quickly adapt by taking all elements of the physical exhibition to an online platform in order to still provide this opportunity this year. This was a steep learning curve as we navigated our way through new ways of working that meant we had to modify the open call out, the way the selection panel worked, the presentation of the exhibition, our approach to sales and the public vote.

Most of the online elements worked well: it was more accessible for artists and we saw submissions double, we were able to run the exhibition for an extended period of time spanning the entire month of July, it was more accessible for audiences and attracted far greater visitor numbers (with over 3,000 visitors).

What didn’t work as well was the voting system. In previous years visitors cast their votes using a sticker that they received on entry. We had tried to replicate this online but within the first week of launching it became apparent that the system was not being used as intended. People were able to vote multiple times and were doing so on mass (with over 125,000 votes being cast during the month). Should we choose to award a prize in the future via a public vote we will review the voting system and ensure the technology used is fit for purpose.

This highlights a fantastic learning opportunity and we would be very keen to hear from anyone within the sector who has experienced similar issues or has any advice they would like to share. We would be more than happy to facilitate a platform to share experiences and knowledge as we all adopt new ways of working. If you are interested in engaging in this conversation please email court, who will arrange a way to collate and share information should there be sufficient interest.

PRIZE WINNER

The online voting system was vulnerable to misuse and was not used in the spirit in which it was intended. As such, the selection panel has decided to award all six shortlisted artists/collectives (featured below) £100 and an interview that will be featured on The State Of The Arts website. All six were worthy winners and the panel felt this to be the fairest way to respond to the situation.

An interview with court, the curator of the exhibition is available on The State Of The Arts.