Organizer Information
Second Lives is an art platform focused on creative practices shaped by rich life experience, parallel careers and reinvention. Founded around the idea that artistic practices can develop alongside alternative professional paths, Second Lives presents exhibitions, artist talks and opportunities for artists whose creative work has been enriched by experiences outside the conventional art-world trajectory. Its exhibitions have featured both established contemporary artists and emerging practitioners. In 2026, Second Lives is partnering with City Lit, a major adult education institution in central London, for a programme of talks on creative career reinvention culminating in a public exhibition at City Lit Gallery.
Title & Description
Second Lives x City Lit Open Call 2026
Second Lives x City Lit Open Call 2026 invites artists to submit work for a special group exhibition at City Lit Gallery, Covent Garden, London, in November 2026.
The open call is specifically seeking artists whose artistic practice has developed alongside, or been enriched by, an alternative career or professional path. The exhibition will bring together established artists with emerging talent from the City Lit creative community, exploring the connections between artistic practice, professional experience, reinvention and different life trajectories.
Selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in central London as part of Second Lives' wider exhibition and artist-talk programme.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Installation
- Print / Printmaking
- Textile Art
- Illustration
- Digital Art
- Ceramic Art
AI-generated artwork is not eligible.
Eligibility
The opportunity is open to UK-based artists aged 18 or over. Applicants must be able to arrange delivery of their work to City Lit Gallery in central London and collect it after the exhibition.
Artists do not need to have studied at City Lit. City Lit alumni may apply to this open call as well as the separate City Lit open call.
Applicants may submit up to five works.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists will exhibit their work at City Lit Gallery from 18–28 November 2026, with a private view on 17 November. The exhibition is part of Second Lives' wider programme of exhibitions and artist talks.
The organisers expect to select approximately two to four Second Lives artists. A wider selection of shortlisted artists may also be featured online.
There is no cash prize or residency attached to the open call. If an exhibited work sells, Second Lives handles the sale and pays the artist 50% of the sale price within 30 days of receiving cleared funds.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Private View: 17 November 2026
- Exhibition: 18–28 November 2026
- Exhibition Venue: City Lit Gallery, London
Location
City Lit Gallery, 1–10 Keeley Street, London WC2B 4BA, United Kingdom
Additional Details
Selected artists must arrange and pay for transportation of their work to and from the gallery. Consigned works are insured by Second Lives while in transit, on display at City Lit Gallery and in its storage facility. Unsold works may be collected immediately after the exhibition at the artist's expense. Alternatively, works remain with Second Lives for three months and may continue to be offered for sale during that period.
Artists should contact info@secondlivesart.com with questions before submitting.