We sent About Thetford’s newest roving reporter, Spencer Hornsby, to Norwich Castle for the launch of their latest exhibition.
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery has launched its seventh open call exhibition, In Proximity, running until 14th June 2026. Having whittled down 900 entries to 97 pieces of art from 87 artists, the show brings together creatives from across East Anglia.
The exhibition’s core focus is closeness and what it means to be within proximity to things. The first gallery explores people, animals and place, while the second considers objects and more abstract constructs such as time, colour and space.
In partnership with the East Anglian Art Fund (EAAF), the exhibition aims to bring together both established and emerging artists, offering them the opportunity to share their work. Amanda Geitner, Director of EAAF, said In Proximity was a response to the question, What can we do for local artists? “In Proximity allowed us to see the incredible range of art being made in the region, from which our selectors drew a very exciting body of work,” she said. “Open art shows are a much-loved tradition for EAAF, supporting artists by showing and promoting the sale of their work – and then using the proceeds to support artists and arts education across East Anglia.”
©Maria Pavledis
The exhibition aims to provide a platform for young, emerging artists exhibiting for the first time, alongside those who are already established.
The show considers what it means to be near – in both literal and abstract senses, bringing together a wide range of interpretations. It also highlights the close-knit nature of communities across East Anglia. Many people from towns such as Thetford travel regularly to Norwich to socialise, shop or run errands. Perhaps, in doing so, taking time to visit In Proximity offers a chance to feel part of a wider creative community, and to better understand those who live and create around us.
