Since 1989 The Showroom has been a publicly funded gallery and part of a 'community' of galleries comprised of The Approach, Chisenhale, Matt's Gallery and Modern Art. Earlier exhibitions were generally group shows dedicated to grassroots artists, the pre-emergent types clamouring for solo shows and the accompanying recognition.

The gallery now concentrates on exhibiting site-specific commissioned works by emerging artists in solo shows. Uniquely, the gallery provides artistic, financial and no doubt some emotional support through the production process. The Showroom has been an effective launch pad for many of London's most respected artists, including Sam Taylor-Wood, Simon Starling, Mona Hatoum, Jim Lambie and Eva Rothschild.