Organizer Information
Contains Art CIO is a UK-based cultural organisation responsible for programming and curatorial activities at East Quay, a multidisciplinary arts venue located on the Somerset coast. East Quay functions as a social enterprise, integrating contemporary art galleries, artist studios, a print studio, a paper mill, educational spaces, accommodation, and a public-facing restaurant. The institution is deeply rooted in community-led regeneration, aiming to foster cultural participation while contributing to local economic and social development.
Contains Art CIO operates with a strong ethos of accessibility and inclusivity, emphasizing that artistic opportunity should not be limited by background, geography, or resources. Its programming focuses on contemporary artistic practices that engage audiences in critical dialogue, while also encouraging emotional and experiential responses such as curiosity, reflection, and joy. Through exhibitions, residencies, and public programming, the organization supports emerging and established artists across disciplines.
Title & Description
JOY: Open Exhibition 2026
The JOY Open Exhibition 2026 is a thematic group exhibition inviting artists to explore and interpret the concept of “joy” through their artistic practice. Hosted at East Quay, this open call encourages a wide range of creative responses—ranging from intimate, personal reflections to politically and socially engaged interpretations.
The theme of joy is intentionally open-ended, prompting artists to consider its complexity: as a fleeting emotion or a sustained state, as resistance against adversity, or as a collective and relational force. Artists are invited to question how joy exists alongside grief, uncertainty, or social struggle, and how it can be cultivated, shared, or reclaimed.
Selected works will be exhibited in Gallery 1 at East Quay from September 2026 to January 2027. The exhibition will be curated by an independent panel of artists and industry professionals, ensuring a high standard of artistic quality and conceptual depth.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Sculpture (limited selection)
- Mixed Media
- Collage
- Paper-based Art
Eligibility
- Open to artists based in the UK and internationally
- Emerging and established artists are welcome
- Students and artists under 25 are eligible for a dedicated award category
- Applicants may submit one artwork per entry
- Eligible formats:
- Primarily two-dimensional works
- Limited three-dimensional works (subject to selection constraints)
- Not eligible:
- Digital and video-based works
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exhibition opportunity at East Quay
- Professional exposure within a curated group exhibition
- Awards:
- Judges’ Favourite Prize: £1,000
- Student/Under 25 Prize: £1,000
- Audience Favourite Award: £1,000
- Opportunity to sell artworks (25% commission applies)
- Engagement with curators, artists, and public audiences
Application Fee
- Standard Entry: £15
- Students / Under 25: £7.50
Application Requirements
- One artwork (single image, max 1MB)
- Artwork details:
- Title
- Medium
- Year
- Dimensions (cm)
- Price (optional)
- Work must meet size requirements:
- 2D works: max 1m x 1m (framed), depth max 15cm
- 3D works: max 1m x 1m x 1m
- All paper-based works must be professionally framed
- Artists must arrange and cover transportation and delivery
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Selection Results: 17 July 2026
- Artwork Delivery: 8 September 2026
- Exhibition Opening: 19 September 2026
- Exhibition Period: September 19, 2026 – January 31, 2027
- Prize Announcement:
- Judges’ & Student Prize: Opening event
- Audience Award: End of exhibition
Location
Watchet, Somerset, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Artists are responsible for delivery and return logistics
- Insurance during transit is the artist’s responsibility
- Works may be for sale; a 25% commission applies
- Selection is competitive and not guaranteed
- An independent jury panel will evaluate submissions
- The exhibition emphasizes conceptual engagement with the theme as well as technical quality