Organizer Information
Fen Ditton Gallery is a UK-based contemporary art gallery located in Cambridge, dedicated to promoting emerging and mid-career artists with a particular emphasis on works on paper and printmaking. The gallery has built a reputation for its carefully curated exhibitions and commitment to showcasing technically accomplished and conceptually strong practices. Through initiatives such as the Contemporary Printmaking Prize, Fen Ditton Gallery actively supports artists by providing professional exhibition opportunities and access to collectors and the wider art market. Its programming reflects a balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, making it a relevant platform for artists working within and expanding the field of printmaking.
Title & Description
Contemporary Printmaking Prize 2026 – Fen Ditton Gallery
The Contemporary Printmaking Prize 2026 is a competitive exhibition opportunity aimed at recognizing excellence in original printmaking practices. Organized by Fen Ditton Gallery, the prize invites artists to submit works that demonstrate both technical precision and a strong contemporary artistic voice.
This open call focuses strictly on original print works, encouraging submissions that reflect the artist’s current practice and have been produced within the last three years. The prize embraces a wide spectrum of printmaking techniques, including traditional methods such as etching, lithography, and woodcut, as well as contemporary approaches incorporating photographic and experimental processes.
Shortlisted artists will be invited to exhibit their work in a professionally curated exhibition at the gallery. The exhibition will culminate in a private view event, during which the prize winner will be officially announced. The initiative provides artists with a platform to present their work within a commercial gallery context, engage with collectors, and gain industry visibility.
A key aspect of the prize is its integration into the art market: all exhibited works will be available for sale, positioning the opportunity as both a recognition platform and a potential commercial breakthrough for participating artists.
Categories
- Printmaking (Etching, Lithography, Woodcut, Screen Printing, Engraving)
- Photographic Print Processes (e.g., Photogravure, Polymer Gravure)
- Experimental and Contemporary Print Practices
- Works on Paper (print-based only)
Eligibility
- Open to UK-based artists only
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- Open to emerging and established artists
- Only one entry per person is permitted
- Artists must submit original prints only (no reproductions)
- Submitted works must have been created within the last 3 years
Program Benefits & Awards
- Participation in a curated group exhibition at Fen Ditton Gallery
- Winner announced during the private view
- Professional exposure to collectors and art professionals
- Opportunity to sell artworks within a commercial gallery setting
- Enhancement of professional profile and CV
Sales Conditions:
- All exhibited works will be for sale
- Sales operate on a 50/50 commission split between the artist and the gallery
- Shortlisted works must remain exclusively available through the gallery during the exhibition and for 4 weeks after closing (until 14 June 2026)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist details and contact information
- One artwork submission (original print)
- Up to 3 high-quality images (max 4MB each)
- At least one full-view image of the artwork (including borders/frame)
- Artwork details (title, size, medium, price including VAT if applicable)
- File naming format including artist name and artwork title
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 April 2026
- Shortlisted Artists Announced: 27 April 2026
- Delivery of Shortlisted Works: 13–14 May 2026 (must be framed and ready-to-hang)
- Private View & Winner Announcement: 21 May 2026
- Exhibition Dates: 23 May – 14 June 2026
- Post-Exhibition Sales Period Ends: 14 June 2026
Location
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- All shortlisted works must be framed to gallery standards; clip frames are not accepted
- Artists are responsible for the delivery and collection of artworks
- The gallery does not provide framing services
- All submitted works must be original prints, not reproductions of works in other media
- Artists retain full copyright, but grant the gallery permission to use images for promotional purposes
- Entries must be submitted exclusively via the official platform
- The gallery reserves the right to amend or cancel the prize if necessary
- Due to high submission volume, individual feedback is not provided
- Accurate and truthful submission information is mandatory; false details lead to disqualification