SOUND CHECK

30 YEARS OF MUSIC ACTIVISM SHOWN THROUGH
THE LENS OF ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

8th May - 7th June, 2025
Private View: May 8th, 2025

Curated by Sickboy & Adam Devonshire (IDLES)

Capture the Sound. Reframe the Moment. Tell the Story.

The PIT invites photographersβ€”both emerging and establishedβ€”to submit their most powerful music photography for Sound Check, an exhibition that brings together reworked Bristol music event posters by leading contemporary artists and a curated selection of music photography that captures the city's enduring musical legacy.

Curated by renowned street artist Sickboy and Adam Devonshire, the exhibition will showcase work that embodies the raw energy of live music, the intimacy of backstage moments, and the unfiltered connection between artist and audience. This is your chance to exhibit in one of Bristol's most exciting new creative spacesβ€”a gallery built for artists to take over and make their own.

Housed in a landmark Victorian former YMCA, The PIT is designed for cutting-edge exhibitions, immersive installations, and conceptual projects. The space features a curved mural wall visible from the street, an evolving canvas that becomes part of the exhibition itself, and a subversive basement built for film, UV, and blacklight installations. With its artist-led ethos, The PIT offers a unique opportunity to showcase photography alongside progressive names in contemporary art and music in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.

This exhibition isn't just about displaying photographsβ€”it's about celebrating Bristol's rich music culture through the eyes of those who capture its most unforgettable moments.

Opening Times

πŸ“… Private View – Thursday, May 8th (RSVP by May 6th: gallery@pitbristol.com)

πŸ“… General Opening – May 9th–11th (Open to all)

πŸ•™ Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM

πŸ•™ Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

πŸ“… By Appointment – May 12th–June 6th

OPEN CALL - WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for music photography that captures:

  • The electricity of live performances

  • The connection between artists and their audience

  • The unseen moments behind the music scene

  • The spirit of music culture in all its forms

If your photography tells the story of music, this is your chance to be part of something specialβ€”an exhibition that blends music and visual art in a space designed for creative takeover.

How it Will Work

Helping to fund the music eco-system is a vital part of this exhibition. We will be selling each piece of the photographer's work at the exhibition, or editions if you prefer. More information will be provided on email for the exhibition and requirements from each photographer. You will be required to provide your selected prints already framed and ready for hanging. Selected photographs will be showcased as the lead images for the exhibition.

Just fill in the form below and we'll send an upload link for you to upload your artwork.

Deadline for submissions is Friday 4th April.

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