Public Open Exhibition 2024: Visual Art call out
Calling all UK based *disabled visual artists! We’re looking for the best Contemporary Visual Art produced both by and for learning disabled, neurodivergent, and disabled artists. We want to fill LEVEL Centre with work that celebrates ‘The Art That Difference Makes’ and we’re looking for your artwork to make that happen!
– Prizes for 1st and 2nd place
– People’s Choice Award
– Categories for under 18’s
– Shortlisted work will be part of the Public Open Exhibition at LEVEL Centre
This is a national call out – you don’t need to be Derbyshire based to enter. The deadline for submissions is 2 June 2024.
*By using the term ‘disabled person’ we include anyone who identifies as being learning disabled, disabled, D/deaf, neurodiverse / neurodivergent and those experiencing chronic illness, mental health conditions, and more.
We understand that different people prefer different terminology. You don’t have to prefer the term ‘disabled person’ to apply.
More information
We’re looking for:
- Work that is suitable for, or created by *disabled, learning disabled, and neurodivergent artists. *(By using the term ‘disabled person’ we include anyone who identifies as being learning disabled, disabled, D/deaf, neurodiverse / neurodivergent and those experiencing chronic illness, mental health conditions, and more. We understand that different people prefer different terminology. You don’t have to prefer the term ‘disabled person’ to apply).
- Contemporary 2D Visual Work. We’re happy to accept most forms of 2D visual work: pencil, acrylic, watercolour, oil painting, paper art, printmaking, calligraphy, embroidery, textile, photography, digital print etc.
- Please note that we can’t accept any 3D sculptural work or digital work that requires screen display.
Who can apply:
- Group and individual submissions are welcome
- Only open to UK based artists
- U18 Categories are ages 7 to 11 and 12 to 17
- The applicant must be the legal copyright owner of the submitted work and it is their responsibility to ensure that the copyright is not restricted under any law
- If the work is being submitted via a representative, it is the representative’s responsibility to make sure that they only submit art that the artist can claim full copyright for
-
LEVEL and Turners Art Supplies employees and freelance staff are not permitted to enter
How to enter:
Submissions will only be accepted through a completed application form. We would also like you to complete an anonymous Equal Opportunities Monitoring, but this is optional. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. The application form will collect:
- Contact information
- Details about the artwork and the artist (name, size, materials)
- Equal Opportunities Monitoring
- GDPR permissions
- Terms and Conditions agreement
You can submit up to three high quality images of the piece, clearly labelled with the artist’s name and the name of the piece. The maximum file size is 4mb.
Artwork must be:
If your artwork is shortlisted for the exhibition, it must be:
- no larger than 100cm x 100cm and no smaller than 21cm x 21cm (or A4)
- framed/mounted and ready to hang on an STAS Picture rail when delivered to LEVEL. https://www.stasgroup.com/en/products/picture-hanging-systems.html We may need to attach D-rings and picture wire to your work that are appropriate for our hanging system
- a maximum weight of 20kg/m
The Prizes:
In the 18 and Over category we are offering a first place prize of £300 and £200 for second place, kindly supported by Peak Village. Both our Under 18 category winners will receive a prize of art supplies. Prize winners in these categories will be selected by our professional industry judging panel.
The People’s Choice Award is kindly sponsored by Turners Art Supplies in Matlock, who are donating a prize of art supplies to the winner. This award will be voted for by the public and announced at the end of the exhibition.
- 1st prize 18 and Over: £300 (or equivalent amount in vouchers)
- 2nd prize 18 and Over: £200 (or equivalent amount in vouchers)
- 2 x Under 18 categories: Art supplies
- People’s Choice Award: Art supplies from Turners Art
Timeline:
- Deadline for submissions: 2 June
- Outcomes shared W/C 10 June
- Selected work to arrive at LEVEL no later than: 28 June
- Private View and prizegiving: 3 July
- Exhibition opens: 4 July
- Exhibition closes: 4 September
Thank you to this year’s Public Open Exhibition prize sponsors:
The 2023 Public Open Exhibition
The 2023 Public Open Exhibition attracted disabled and non-disabled contemporary visual artists from across the UK.
The standard of submissions was outstanding, truly showcasing a broad range of art styles and techniques. The panel selected in first place ‘When my Right Side Won’t Listen’ by Grace Currie.
‘Out of many fantastic submissions, we were all unanimous in our selection for first prize. Grace Curries’ entry depicts two women, one upside down and both with their right legs missing. Her powerful paintings explore her social identity – and how, as a disabled woman, society reduces her in some people’s eyes to child status. This is an identity that she resists but draws attention to in her childlike portraits of figures or faces. The compelling narrative behind the piece and the artist’s sheer determination and talent earned them our first prize place. Congratulations Grace!’
Amelia Baron
Arthouse, Wakefield
Support Us
Find out more about how you can support Level and our work, from donations to advocacy and volunteering
Access For All
Find out more about our access at Level Centre including our access statement and sensory story.
What's On
Read more about our current exhibitions, installations and events at Level, online and beyond
Address
LEVEL Arts Centre, Old Station Close, Rowsley, DE4 2EL
Call Us
01629 734848
Email Us
info@levelcentre.com