What is Engine Room?
Engine Room is a programme providing access to affordable exhibition and event space at Acme Propeller Factory for artists, cultural practitioners, artist groups, collectives, educational institutions and not-for-profit organisations.
The programme offers 2, 3 and 4-week hire periods from November 2026 to summer 2027 and supports a broad range of cultural activity, including exhibitions, workshops, talks, crit groups and public programmes.
Who is Engine Room for?
Applications are welcome from:
- Individual artists
- Artist groups and collectives
- Cultural practitioners
- Freelance curators
- Educational institutions and student groups
- Not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations
Both Acme tenants and non-tenants are eligible to apply.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed on the basis of:
- Eligibility against the published criteria
- Practical suitability for the space
- Operational feasibility
- Health and safety considerations
Acme does not assess applications based on artistic quality, subject matter or curatorial preference.
Who makes decisions about eligibility and scheduling?
Applications are reviewed by Acme staff to confirm that they meet the published eligibility criteria and can be safely and practically accommodated within the space.
Where multiple eligible applications request the same dates and demand exceeds availability, bookings will be allocated through a random selection process.
How does date allocation work?
Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred booking length and first, second and third choice months.
Acme will seek to accommodate preferences wherever possible, although requested dates cannot be guaranteed. Where demand exceeds availability, eligible applications will be allocated dates through a random selection process.
Can I apply for a one-day event?
The programme is primarily designed for projects that make use of the space over a 2, 3 or 4-week hire period.
Standalone one-day hires are not currently part of the open call programme. However, Acme may occasionally programme one-day activities separately or consider proposals where they form part of a wider approved project.
What kinds of activity can take place in Engine Room?
Engine Room supports a broad range of artist-led and cultural activity, including:
- Solo and group exhibitions
- Curator-led projects
- Educational showcases
- Workshops and courses
- Crit groups and learning programmes
- Talks and symposia
- Community and knowledge-sharing events
The programme does not prescribe themes, subject matter or artistic outcomes, allowing participants to define their own ambitions and approaches.
Can workshops, talks or learning activities take place in Engine Room?
Yes. Workshops, talks, crit groups, symposia and courses are eligible, provided they can be safely delivered within the space and comply with the programme criteri
Can I sell artworks during my exhibition?
Yes. Exhibitions may include artworks that are available for sale.
Acme is not involved in the sale of artworks and does not act as an intermediary between exhibitors and buyers. Hirers are responsible for managing all sales, contracts, payments and associated administration.
What facilities and equipment are included in Engine Room?
Bookings include access to the Engine Room exhibition and event space, kitchen facilities and ground floor toilets.
The space is equipped with three power sockets, a ceiling-mounted projector and integrated speakers. An Acme laptop is also available for projector connectivity. A floor plan with measurements is available to download before applying.
Can I make changes to the space?
Temporary exhibition installations and project-specific adaptations are permitted, subject to Acme's health and safety requirements and any conditions outlined in the hire agreement.
Successful applicants will receive guidance on what can and cannot be fixed, installed or altered within the space. Hirers are responsible for returning the space to its original condition at the end of the hire period.
Is technical support provided?
No. Hirers are responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of their exhibitions, events and equipment.
While Acme can provide information about the facilities available within the space, technical support is not included as part of the hire arrangement.
What are the opening hours?
Engine Room is situated within Acme Propeller Factory, a 24-hour access working artists' studio building.
Installation and deinstallation activities may take place between 8am and 10pm and must be completed within the agreed hire period.
Public opening hours are restricted to:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12pm to 5pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm
One evening private view or launch event may take place between 6pm and 8pm on a Wednesday or Thursday, unless otherwise agreed in advance.
How much does it cost to hire Engine Room?
The hire fee is £650 per week.
In addition, a refundable £150 key, damage and clearance deposit is required. The deposit will be returned following the hire period, subject to all keys being returned, the space being left in good condition and any clearance requirements being met.
The hire fee and deposit must be paid in full at least 28 days before the hire period begins.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Successful applicants are responsible for arranging appropriate insurance cover for the duration of their hire period.
Proof of insurance may be requested before access to the space is granted.
Do I need funding in place before applying?
No. You may apply if you are self-funded, have secured funding, or are awaiting the outcome of a funding application.
If your project depends on funding that has not yet been confirmed, we will ask you to explain your timetable and contingency plans as part of the application process.
Are student groups eligible to apply?
Yes. Student groups are welcome to apply.
Where a project is being delivered independently of a school, college or university, applicants should demonstrate that they have the skills, capacity and supervision arrangements required to safely deliver their proposed activity.
Applicants under the age of 18 are not eligible.
Does Acme provide marketing or communications support?
No. Successful applicants are responsible for promoting their own exhibitions, events and public programmes.
Acme may list activity on its website or other channels at its discretion, but applicants should not expect marketing, communications or audience development support as part of the hire arrangement.
Does Acme provide exhibition invigilation or event staffing?
No. Hirers are responsible for ensuring that their exhibition or event is adequately staffed and invigilated throughout the hire period.
What happens after I submit an application?
Applications will be reviewed by Acme staff to confirm eligibility and suitability for the programme.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome following the review process. Successful applicants will receive further information about access, payment, insurance requirements and next steps before their hire period begins.
What does Acme mean by reputational risk?
Acme reserves the right not to confirm or continue a booking where a proposed activity may conflict with our charitable objectives, legal responsibilities, safeguarding obligations, organisational policies, mission and values, or the safe operation of our buildings.
Any concerns are assessed on a case-by-case basis using Acme's existing policies and procedures.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Acme staff manage enquiries during the application process.
Once a booking has been confirmed, successful applicants will be supported by the Hire Coordinator, who acts as the main point of contact throughout the hire period.