Open 25

About the Open Call

This open call aims to showcase the best of UK contemporary art by bringing together emerging and established artists to create a diverse and exciting group exhibition in one of the Midlands foremost Commercial Contemporary Fine Art Galleries. Entries were open to all artists working in the UK. Artwork could be on any theme and the gallery accepted Artworks using all types of media; paintings, original prints, photography, textiles, drawings, works on paper and 3D works – including sculpture and ceramics. Winning submissions were included in a group exhibition from 30th August – 19th October 2025. Selected work was on display in three exhibition spaces; Main gallery, secondary and upstairs gallery spaces. More modestly sized pieces (up to 1m x 1m) had a higher chance of getting in than very large works (The size limit was 1.5m). Work should be measured with the frame if framed. By entering, applicants gave permission to use any uploaded image for publicity. If planning on only getting the work framed if accepted, a note of that with the style of frame (white, black, oak etc.) was required in the image details section. Applicants were asked to upload good-quality pics of their work (2 images for each piece entered = 1 of the piece itself and 1 in its frame, or a detail shot/in-situ if unframed; for 3D work, 2 pics from different angles, including plinth if applicable). There was a limit of 2mb for each image, and images needed to be at least 1200 pixels wide. File names of images were encouraged to include the artist's name. Image details were to be ordered as follows: Medium (e.g., oil on canvas), Size (framed size if framed), edition number (for prints, otherwise ignore), Price (all work must be for sale and commission will be taken from the price listed if sold). A Cash Prize of £250 was awarded to the Winner chosen by Gallery Manager Luke Tarpey. Multiple artists were invited to take part in next year’s exhibition programme from the Open exhibitants. A list of those selected was published alongside the Open Exhibiting Artists, with no limit on the number chosen (34 artists were picked last year). This was primarily an open for any artists who wanted to be involved with and support the gallery. Entries were available to all artists in the UK. Judging was done by Gallery Manager Luke Tarpey; feedback on unsuccessful entries was not provided. All sales were subject to a reduced commission of 45% (usual gallery rate is 50%) taken from the listed price. If selected, the work could be delivered in person (preferred) or sent by post. The work had to be clearly labelled with Name, Title, Medium, Size and Price (including Gallery Commission), protected and ready to hang (String – preferred, mirror plates or alternative). For all work sent by post, it needed to be very well protected with a cardboard box and bubble wrap at the very least and easily re-packable. All unsold work had to be collected or courier arranged from 22nd – 26th October 2025. The gallery insured work against loss or damage while on site; work in transit to and from the gallery had to be insured separately by the artist.

What is Offered

A Cash Prize of £250 for the Winner. Selected artists will be invited to take part in next year’s exhibition programme. All sales will be subject to a reduced commission of 45%.

Requirements

Entries were open to all artists working in the UK. Artwork could be on any theme and in various media including paintings, original prints, photography, textiles, drawings, works on paper, 3D works (sculpture, ceramics). Maximum size limit of 1.5m, with more modestly sized pieces (up to 1m x 1m) having a higher chance of selection. All work submitted must be for sale. Artists could submit up to three pieces.

How to Apply

Artists were required to submit up to three pieces of artwork via an online form. Submissions included uploading two good-quality images for each piece (one of the piece itself, one framed/detail/in-situ, or two angles for 3D work) with specific details such as medium, size, and price. The application fee was £15 for 1 piece, £20 for 2 pieces, and £25 for 3 pieces. Selected works must be clearly labeled, protected, and ready to hang for physical delivery or postal shipment.