Organizer Information
MAKE Southwest is a leading contemporary craft and design organisation and registered charity based in the Southwest of England. The institution is dedicated to supporting makers, designers, and applied artists through exhibitions, professional development programmes, residencies, and public engagement initiatives. Its mission is to strengthen the craft and design ecosystem by providing platforms for both emerging and established practitioners.
MAKE Southwest is widely recognised for its focus on material innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable making practices. Through its gallery programming and national partnerships, it plays a significant role in promoting contemporary craft discourse in the United Kingdom. The organisation places strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, actively supporting underrepresented voices within the creative industries and providing structured pathways for early-career makers.
Title & Description
Making It 2027 – Emerging Artists, Makers & Designers Exhibition
“Making It 2027” is a major curated exhibition initiative showcasing emerging talent in contemporary craft and design across the Southwest of England. Organised by MAKE Southwest in collaboration with cultural partners, the programme will present selected artists in a high-profile group exhibition held from 16 January to 17 April 2027.
This open call is designed to identify and support early-career practitioners working across Craft, Design, and interdisciplinary material-based practices. The exhibition will take place in the organisation’s main gallery space and will serve as a professional platform for visibility, networking, and career development.
The programme is built around the concept of the “Maker’s Journey,” focusing on artistic development, material exploration, and professional growth. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on innovation in process, sustainability of materials, and the evolving role of contemporary making. The exhibition aims to highlight both technical skill and conceptual development, positioning emerging artists within a broader cultural and professional context.
In addition to exhibition exposure, selected participants will benefit from structured development opportunities, including mentoring, workshops, and networking sessions with leading figures in the craft and design sector.
Categories
- Craft and applied arts
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Photography
- Digital and New Media practices
- Film / Video
- Mixed Media
- Design (product, material, and experimental design)
- Installation and spatial work
- Interdisciplinary material-based practices
(Painting and drawing alone are not accepted unless integrated into a broader craft or design practice.)
Eligibility
- Early-career practitioners with 0–5 years of professional practice
- Based in the Southwest of England, United Kingdom
- Open to self-taught artists, apprentices, and recent graduates
- Practitioners working in craft, design, or material-based art fields
- Emerging artists demonstrating strong potential in technical and conceptual development
- Open to individual practitioners and collaborative projects (at least one collaborator must be emerging)
- Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply
- Commitment to participating in professional development activities (CPD sessions)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Inclusion in a prestigious Exhibition at MAKE Southwest
- Presentation in a high-visibility gallery space with significant footfall and digital reach
- Participation in professional development programming (Workshop, CPD sessions, networking events)
- Mentorship opportunities with established professionals in craft and design
- Exposure to curators, institutions, and cultural partners
- Potential access to prizes and awards from partner organisations
- Career development support and industry networking opportunities
This is a non-funded exhibition opportunity, but it provides significant professional visibility and development infrastructure.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Personal contact information and regional location within the Southwest
- Description of artistic practice and experience (required)
- Artist statement (up to 250 words per section, 2-part structure)
- Artist CV (PDF or Word format)
- Background information (required)
- 6 high-resolution images of proposed work (Visual Arts, Craft, or Design)
- Image descriptions including pricing/insurance value and installation details
- Optional: audio or video statements via external links
- Supporting material if work is in progress (sketches, prototypes, or related works)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 29 June 2026
- Selection Results: End of July 2026
- Delivery of Works: 22 December 2026 – 8 January 2027
- Exhibition Dates: 16 January – 17 April 2027
- Collection of Works: 20 – 23 April 2027
Location
MAKE Southwest – Southwest England, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Works must demonstrate innovation in materials, process, or concept
- Strong emphasis on sustainability, material provenance, and craftsmanship
- Applicants should show clear artistic direction and professional development potential
- Selection prioritises quality of making, conceptual strength, and originality
- Collaborative submissions are accepted if they meet emerging artist criteria
- Participants are expected to attend professional development sessions (online and in-person)
- The exhibition will be curated by a panel of established professionals in craft, design, and academia