There are a lot of exhibition opportunities, some are closed to just members of small collectives or associations. However there are a lot of Open Call opportunites to submit work for. I have signed up to the mailing lists for the following;
- The Cheddar Arts Quarter
- The Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft
- Somerset Art Weeks
- North Somerset Art Weeks
- Bath Arts Fair
- RWA Bristol
One of main websites I have subscribed to is the Olist https://theolist.oess1.uk/?status=openforentry
This is a brilliant website that lists UK open calls to artists and other opportunites. You get a regular email that updates you on new and currently being selected exhibitions. So far I haven’t managed to be selected for any, but I think it’s all a massive learning curve on how you present your work. Those decisions start with mounting and framing, then taking a photographs of your work that clearly depict the image or scultpure in it’s best light.
One thing I have learnt is that it is really hard to set up a good photograph, without reflections on any glass. Lighting is key, and once my studio space is set up I will be sorting out a soft box set up to take better images of my submissions.
A lot of open calls, especially those that are for an established society or association limit the number of submissions, so you need be clear that if a piece of work is a tryptic for example, that all three pieces are photographed how they would be displayed and that the description clearly mentions its a tryptic. The Society of Equestrian Artists have an annual exhibition for its members. As a Friend Member, I am able to submit one piece of work.
For my lino prints there is the Ironridge Printworks competition that I am interested in, I noticed this on the Olist Open Calls list.
Ironbridge Fine Arts
Printmaking Competition 2025
2025 Printmaking Competition showcasing the very best in printmaking – Enter by 4th August 2025 4pm
We’re delighted to announce that entries are now open for the Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2025 – a global celebration of printmaking excellence — championing the art, honouring the craft, and uniting a worldwide community of printmakers through innovation and tradition.
Open to both UK and International Printmakers, this year’s competition invites artists to submit up to 6 piece…
Helen Louise Art 