Organizer Information
Doddington Hall & Gardens is a landmark Elizabethan estate in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. It has become a premier destination for contemporary art through its biennial sculpture exhibitions. Curated by David Waghorne and Kate McGovern, the estate provides a unique botanical and architectural backdrop for large-scale and 3D works, supporting both established masters and the next generation of creative talent.
Title & Description
Doddington Young Sculptor Exhibition 2026.
This project-based exhibition focuses on nurturing up-and-coming artists by providing a platform within a major national art event. The works are displayed in the Kitchen Garden, a short distance from the Elizabethan Hall. The exhibition emphasizes the dialogue between contemporary 3D forms and the natural environment. Beyond the prestige of the exhibition itself, artists compete for significant cash prizes and benefit from the high footfall of one of the UK’s most popular garden sculpture shows.
Categories
Sculpture, Visual Arts, 3D Art, Installation, and Outdoor Art.
Eligibility
- Open to any International (UK-based) or domestic sculptor, installation artist, or 3D practitioner.
- Applicants must be under the age of 35.
- Works must be suitable for outdoor display in all weather conditions for the duration of the show.
- Selected exhibitors are responsible for the delivery and installation of their work.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Judges’ Choice Winner: £1,000 cash prize.
- People’s Choice Winner: £500 cash prize.
- Exhibition Opportunity: Display work alongside nationally and internationally acclaimed sculptors.
- Sales: Works can be offered for sale, providing exposure to a large audience of collectors (30% commission applies).
- PR: Featured in marketing materials and judged by a panel of industry experts, including editors and professional curators.
Fees
- Application Fee: Free to apply.
- Garden Admission: Standard garden entry fees apply for visitors, but there is no extra charge to view the exhibition.
Application Requirements
- A PDF submission sent via email to angus@doddingtonhall.com.
- Visuals: High-quality images of work, a detailed plan, or photos of similar work.
- Details: Titles, mediums, approximate dimensions (HxWxD in cm), and prices.
- Statement: A maximum 400-word statement about the work or body of work.
- Bio: Name, contact details, and relevant website or social media links.
- Quantity: Artists can submit up to 3 pieces.
How to Apply?
Submissions must be emailed as a single PDF document to the coordinator. Visit Doddington Hall Event Page
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 3, 2026.
- Selection Notification: Week commencing Monday, May 4, 2026.
- Delivery & Installation: June 29 – July 3, 2026.
- Exhibition Dates: July 8 – September 6, 2026.
- Prizes Announced: Friday, July 24, 2026.
Location
United Kingdom, Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire.
Additional Details
Pieces deemed unsuitable for outdoor environments will be refused. All unsold work must be collected between September 7 and 11, 2026; the estate takes no responsibility for work left after this period.