30 X 30 Touring Exhibition with Tonic Arts | Scottish Society of Artists

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts for a year-long 30 X 30 touring exhibition, which will be presented across a selection of hospital sites throughout Lothian.

For this exhibition, we invite SSA Professional Artist Members to respond to the theme A Tonic. What does a tonic mean to you? It could be something that lifts the spirits, restores, refreshes or brings joy — a moment of calm, a burst of colour, a favourite place, a treasured memory, a connection with nature, or simply something that makes you feel good. The theme is intentionally open to interpretation, and we encourage artists to take it in whatever direction inspires them. Feedback from the hospital communities frequently refers to the importance and appreciation of artworks which are uplifting, restorative and joyful.

We invite elected SSA Professional Artist Members to submit up to two artworks, each measuring no more than 30 x 30cm, including the mount, for consideration. Thirty works will selected and specially framed by Tonic Arts and displayed across their hospital galleries as part of the touring exhibition.

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the work of SSA Professional Members to a new audience, showcasing a wide-ranging selection of small-scale artworks in a unique healthcare setting. We hope the exhibition will offer moments of inspiration, enjoyment and reflection to patients, visitors and NHS staff across Lothian.

We recognise the importance of sales opportunities for our members and, where possible, would encourage artists to submit editions or works available in multiple editions, as these offer the greatest potential for sales throughout the exhibition.

The exhibition will tour for 12 months from November 2026, across a selection of hospital sites in Lothian.

We look forward to seeing the many different interpretations of A Tonic and discovering the artworks our members choose to share.

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Submission Guidelines and Requirements

All submissions must be made through the Zealous platform by the stated deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Submissions are open to elected SSA Professional Artist Members only.
Members may submit a maximum of two works.
All submitted works must be no larger than 30 x 30cm.
Works must be submitted unframed and unglazed.
2D works must be mounted on a firm 30 x 30cm mountboard with a maximum depth of 15mm
The artwork itself may be smaller than 30 x 30cm, but it must fit on a board exactly 30 x 30cm and be submitted with the mountboard in place.
There are no restrictions on medium, but they should not be too ephemeral that they might deteriorate or diminish over the 12 months of the exhibition.
We ask that members respond to the theme of A Tonic
Due to the nature and setting of the exhibition, we ask members to be mindful of potentially sensitive subject matter. Please read the NHS Lothian Charity Terms and Conditions of Artist Expression document for guidance and clarification regarding content, this includes titles of art works: TONIC ARTS_Artistic Expression & Content Policy.
The Tonic Art Galleries form designated public corridor areas within the hospitals. They are open 24/7 and are not invigilated. Tonic Arts in partnership with the hospital sites takes every precaution to ensure the artworks are displayed professionally, safely and securely.

Sales

All submitted works must be available for sale. A 35% commission will be deducted from each sale, with the artist receiving 65% of the sale price. Please ensure the 35% commission is factored into your submitted sale price.
Please note that unique/one-off artworks will only be available for purchase at the end of the exhibition period. Works available as editions may be sold throughout the exhibition.
The Society will charge a flat rate of £16 for postage & packaging, (Royal Mail small parcel up to 2kg, special delivery). The artist will be required to post the work directly to the buyer, and to pay the cost of postage initially. The Society will then reimburse this cost to the artist once the buyer has received the work.
– The Society will not be responsible for any extra postage costs incurred above the £16 flat rate.
Once notified of a sale, the artist is responsible for promptly posting the work directly to the purchaser.

Images and Artwork Information

Please ensure that all artwork details submitted are accurate, as this information will be used for exhibition labels and promotional materials.
You must provide at least one clear, high-quality image of your work. Images should be at least 1MB, a minimum of 72dpi, and at least 2400px on each side. You may submit additional images to show further details of the work where appropriate.
A short description of no more than 100 words must be submitted with each work. This may be used to promote the exhibition across social media, newsletters and other communications.
Please include the following information for each submission: Title, Dimensions, Medium, Sale price, Insurance value.

Labelling and Transport

All works must be clearly labelled on the reverse with: Artist name, Title, Medium, Price, Insurance value.
If your work is selected, you will be responsible to meet the cost of sending it to an Edinburgh address for framing. Full details, including the delivery address and date for delivery, will be provided to selected artists.
Return of works will be from the Tonic Arts store at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside, Edinburgh. Two date options will be provided for this.

Liability for artworks

NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts will provide insurance cover against loss or damage for all works whilst exhibited in the hospital venues. The SSA do not hold themselves responsible for any loss or damage which may occur to works while in the custody of the SSA or their agents. The SSA or their agent does not insure work in transit.
Work not presented as requested will not be accepted.

KEY DATES

Submissions Open: Friday 11 September 2026
Submission Deadline: Monday 5 October 2026, 12 noon
Artist notification: Friday 23 October 2026
Artwork Delivery: Selected works will be required to be posted or delivered in person to an Edinburgh address for framing. Full details will be provided upon selection.