'The Open' 2026 submissions are now open
Submissions for The Open 2026 will be live from Tuesday 24th August 2026 and close on Wednesday 7th October 2026 at 4pm.
Submit your artwork via the Zealous application platform:
- Submit Artwork to The Open Adult Category
- Submit Artwork to The Open Young People Category
- Submit Artwork to The Open Schools & Groups Category
What is the Open?
The Open is your chance to be part of Leicester’s biggest annual celebration of creativity. If you live or study in the East Midlands and love making art — no matter your background or experience — you can submit your work for a chance to exhibit at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. Running for over 35 years, the Open is all about showcasing the amazing talent from across our region. It’s a celebration of local art and the people who create it.
How does it work?
Each year, we accept submissions during late summer, and the exhibition launches in November / December. A panel of judges — made up of artists, curators, and community members — carefully select pieces from all the entries we receive. Painting, sculpture, textiles, prints, photography, and more — every kind of art is welcome. Selected works are displayed at Leicester’s New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, with Sponsored prizes awarded to some works.
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 5 and up who lives, works, or studies in the East Midlands can submit their artwork! This includes people from Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Northamptonshire.
Is there an age category?
Yes! To give everyone a fair chance, we have two groups:
- The Open (for people aged 19 and over)
- The Open: Young People’s Exhibition (for ages 5–18)
This means you’ll see a wonderful mix of creativity from every generation when you visit!
How do you submit your work?
Click on the link above to launch the submission form. For additional guidance see the links below.
Is there a fee to enter?
There is a fee to enter work into the adult category of The Open 2026. Adult entrants may submit up to three individual artworks, and the fee is based on the number of artworks submitted:
Standard adult fees:
- 1 artwork – £21.20
- 2 artworks – £32.00
- 3 artworks – £42.50
Concession fees (available to students and those aged 60+):
- 1 artwork – £16.00
- 2 artworks – £21.20
- 3 artworks – £26.40
Young People’s category (ages 5–18):
Entry is free, and each young artist may submit one artwork only.
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