Welcome to ‘Call for Art’, a monthly round-up of nationwide opportunities for you to find open calls and submit your work to shows without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re just starting out, or a veteran in the field; staying on top of open calls is never easy. Until now! Here we will provide you with the who where and what to ensure that every artist has the opportunity to have their work showcased.
We’ll be digging through the calls to find juried exhibitions, zine submissions and open studio nights that are genuinely worth your time.
Before you have a read through here are a couple quick tips for submitting your work to open calls:
- Read the brief. Sounds obvious, but many artists are rejected for not following submission guidelines.
- High-quality images are everything. Natural lighting, minimal editing, and crop out the messy studio floor! No one wants to see your beautiful art in worse quality than a Nintendo 2DS (unless that’s what you’re going for of course).
- Tailor your statement. When it comes to applying one size does not fit all. I know its a pain when you think you have a solid CV down, but it’s crucial to make adjustments and tweak your artist bio or statement to match the call’s theme or tone.
- Don’t be disheartened by rejections. Keep applying. Keep making. Rejections are bound to happen, but it’s a natural part of the process. Don’t let it deter you, it’s all a learning experience and developing as an artist. For more on this topic, one of our guest writers covers how to navigate feelings of self doubt here: Learning to Suck: Why Being Bad at Something is the First Step to Mastery – Iris
For all these opportunities, more information can be found on their websites, so make sure you check them out when applying.
The London Group Open (UK)
Starting off with a big one. In fact it’s THE big one. The London Group is the UK’s longest running and one of the most prestigious artists’ cooperatives. This year the group is holding its 86th open exhibition. The London Group has played a significant role in nurturing and showcasing the work of many of Britain’s best-known artists, maintaining a strong tradition of supporting contemporary visual art through regular exhibitions.
- Open to UK-based artists 18+ working in any medium
- Prizes include £1,000 awards and exhibition at Copeland Gallery.
- Submission fee applies; deadline: 26 August 2025.
- The London Group is now accepting entries for its 86th Open exhibition which will take place 8-23 November at Copeland Gallery, Peckham, London SE15.
- Submissions of work are invited from UK-based visual artists over the age of 18 working in any medium.
More info at – The London Group Open 2025 – The London Group
LEVEL Public Open Exhibition (UK)
Another call going out to artists across the UK is the Public Open Exhibition. They are looking for the best Contemporary Visual Art produced by disabled, learning disabled and neurodivergent artists. Saying they ‘want to fill LEVEL Centre with work that celebrates ‘The Art That Difference Makes.’’
- National call, no residency requirement.
- Open to all UK based disabled visual artists.
- Deadline: 9 June 2025.
- Prizes for 1st and 2nd place.
More info at – Public Open Exhibition: Visual Arts Call Out 2025 – Level
Headway Art Open Call Exhibition (North East of England)
Now a real highlight for artists in the North East of England: Headway Arts’ Open Call Exhibition. The annual event is back for 2025 and has become a cornerstone for creative talent in Northumberland and North Tyneside
It offers a welcoming platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work. There are no restrictions on mediums, so feel free to apply if you’re into painting, sculpture, photography, or digital art (just leave the AI at home!)This is a great opportunity for artists in the North East to have their work showcased.
- Exhibition dates: Preview evening on Tuesday 24 June 2025; open through Saturday 28 June 2025.
- Delivery window for artworks: Monday 9 June – Thursday 12 June 2025, 9:30am–4:30pm.
- Artists must be living or working within Northumberland or North Tyneside.
- Entrants must be at least 16 years old at time of submission.
- Artists may submit artworks that have been previously exhibited or published elsewhere; artworks previously submitted to the Blyth Open Call Exhibition will not be considered.
- Collaborative works are eligible
More info at – Open Call Exhibition 2025 – Headway Arts
THG Open 2025 (South West England)
Open to all artists living in the South West, this biennial exhibition welcomes work in any medium. There is no theme so artists are encouraged to be as imaginative and creative as possible. With prizes up to £500 and a visitors’ choice award, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, sell your work, and be part of a dynamic regional art scene.
- Part of Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) exhibition programme.
- No theme; work can be in any media including painting, sculpture, photography, print, drawing, video, mixed and digital media.
- Artists may submit up to two artworks.
- Entry fee: £10; free entry for artists aged 18–25 (proof of age may be required).
- All exhibited work will be for sale.
- Prizes: Main Prize: £50, Emerging Artist Prize: £250, Visitors’ Choice Prize: £100
- Application deadline: 13 June 2025.
More info at – artist call for THG Open | Thelma Hulbert Gallery
SEEN 2025 Mentorship Programme (South London)
For emerging talent in South London: the SEEN 2025 Mentorship Programme is calling for bold, creative artists with strong ties to Lewisham. SEEN Lewisham festival is a multi arts festival co-produced by Broadway Theatre, Nouveau Riche, and Lewisham Council. This programme offers funding of £2,000–£5,000, hands-on mentorship, and the chance to perform or exhibit your work at the heart of the festival. For any young artists in the area, this mentorship will amplify your voice and be a part of a fantastic program.
- Applicants must be over 18 years old.
- Open to artists working across multidisciplinary art forms, including dance, theatre, music, and visual arts.
- Four-month mentorship programme with industry professionals ahead of the festival showcase
- Runs from Saturday 4 October to Sunday 12 October 2025
- Application deadline is SOON: midday, Friday 6 June 2025
- Applicants must demonstrate their connection to South London in their application
- Individual artists only
More info at – Lewisham Council – SEEN Lewisham is back and nurturing local talent
If you’ve reached this conclusion and none of these are quite the right fit, that’s no worries; next month’s roundup will bring fresh opportunities.
We would also love to hear from you. If you have an open call you’d like to share or one you’ve had a good experience with? Drop us a line and we might feature it in the next update.
Until then, good luck from all of us at Iris.