Organizer Information
SWANFALL ART is the curatorial and artist development division of SWANFALL, a London-based contemporary art platform dedicated to curatorial production, artist representation, art advisory, and secondary market transactions. Its core mission is to foster an open, diverse, and transnational platform that supports intellectually rigorous and experimentally driven artistic practices. As the commercial exhibitions branch of SWANFALL, SWANFALL GALLERY represents a select roster of artists and presents their work through international art fairs and private sales.
SWANFALL ART has presented annual exhibitions at Mall Galleries, London, with the 2023 edition titled Through the Looking Glass, the 2025 edition titled Fables, and a wider year-round programme spanning exhibitions, salons, and events. Past venues have included the Crypt Gallery, Asylum Chapel, Gallery 46, and spaces in Mayfair and Shoreditch. SWANFALL GALLERY has participated in international art fairs, including ART021 in Shanghai and the Beijing Dangdai Art Fair.
In 2024, SWANFALL introduced a magazine and art library to further engage the creative community. The organisation plans to include cross-industry workshops and networking events in its annual programme.
Title & Description
ROAR: Rhapsody of August Riot — Swanfall Annual Exhibition 2026
ROAR is the 2026 edition of SWANFALL's annual open exhibition at Mall Galleries, London. The title Rhapsody of August Riot evokes collective creative exuberance at full intensity — a surge of passion, imagination, and energy that refuses restraint. Like a rhapsody, the exhibition unfolds through rhythm, contrast, and unexpected encounters, bringing together diverse voices, disciplines, and communities.
The call is grounded in the belief that freedom and joy are essential conditions of serious creative practice — not as opposition to rigour, but as driving forces within it. The 2026 edition expands beyond visual art to encompass a wider spectrum of contemporary creative practices, and also marks the launch of Art+, a new curatorial strand that opens broader dialogue between contemporary art and wider creative culture. ROAR is positioned as an open curatorial proposition rather than a narrow subject: it welcomes work that is bold in spirit, distinct in voice, and alive with intensity, vitality, and imaginative force.
Theme
No fixed subject — ROAR is an open curatorial proposition inviting work that is bold, instinctive, and alive with creative energy, vitality, and freedom. The exhibition spirit is one of carnival exuberance: expansive, joyful, unruly, and alive with encounter.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Mixed Media
- Illustration
- Animation
- Design
- Digital
- AI
- Video/Film
- New Media
- Performance
- Sound/Music
- Craft
- Fiber/Textile Art
- Jewelry
- Paper-based
- Multiple Disciplines
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Open internationally to artists, designers, makers, performers, and creative practitioners at all career stages
- No age, nationality, or career-stage restrictions are stated in the source
- All media and disciplines are accepted across the following categories:
- Visual Arts — painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, mixed media, ceramics, illustration, animation
- Design — graphic design, furniture design/manufacturing, metal work, decorative jewellery, glass work, textiles
- Digital and Media Arts — digital art, short films, experimental film, AI-generated art, VR, AR
- Performance and Live Arts — dance, performance art, variety, cabaret, pantomime, circus, puppetry, visual theatre
- Sound and Music — music composition, sound installations, live sound performance
- Publications, Artist Books and Printed Matter — artist books, zines, independent publications, printed matter, poetry, experimental writing
Program Benefits & Awards
Curators' Choice Award
- One-month residency opportunity in London
- Fully supported solo presentation, exhibition, or special project with SWANFALL
- Curatorial, promotional, and sales support
- International media coverage, interviews, and editorial features
- Priority consideration for future international exhibitions and art fair opportunities
- Formal invitation to join the SWANFALL GALLERY artist roster under a representation contract; the Gallery typically allocates £3,000–£10,000 per year (non-cash) per artist for exhibitions, fair participation, artist features, content production, marketing, promotion, and discretionary gallery acquisitions
Audience Choice Award
- Participation in a fully sponsored, curated group exhibition
- Featured article or artist interview on Swanfall.art
- Ongoing promotional support
- One-to-one professional development consultation
- Dedicated artist profile on Swanfall.art
All Exhibiting Artists
- Official exhibition certificate
- Virtual exhibition tour hosted on Swanfall.art (minimum 1-year listing)
- Networking opportunities with collectors, curators, designers, and cultural professionals
- Feature on the official exhibition page and media showcase
- Artwork and project sales support
- Priority consideration for future SWANFALL exhibitions and curatorial projects
- Digital Artist Career Guidebook (all submitting artists, regardless of selection)
Application Fee
- Single work submission (up to 3 works): £15
- Full portfolio submission (unlimited works): £55 Early Bird / £65 Regular
- Fees are payable online at the time of submission; all payments are non-refundable and do not guarantee selection
- No additional fees apply for selected artists participating in the exhibition
- Artwork sales commission: 35%
Application Requirements
- Artist biography
- Option 1 — Image Submission: Up to 3 works as JPG, JPEG, or PNG files, each with title, year, medium, dimensions, and price; a cohesive set of related works may be considered as one
- Option 2 — Full Portfolio Entry: Complete portfolio as a PDF (max 10MB), which may include multiple works across series or media
- All works must be original and created by the submitting artist
- If works are offered for sale, pricing must reflect a universal retail price across platforms and include applicable commission
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Early Bird Deadline: 15 July 2026
- Final Deadline: 10 August 2026
- Notification: within 5 working days after each respective deadline
- Exhibition: 24–29 August 2026
Location
Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Selected artists may be invited to exhibit up to three works, depending on conceptual coherence and curatorial alignment.
- Works on paper must be framed unless otherwise agreed with the organiser.
- Wall-mounted works: maximum side length 1.5m. Large sculptures or installations: maximum height 2m.
- If selected, artists are responsible for delivering works to the specified address within the timeframe provided in the confirmation email, and for all transportation, insurance, and customs procedures.
- Artists based outside the UK may need to register for VAT in connection with selling or exhibiting works. See https://www.gov.uk for guidance.
- Full terms and conditions: www.swanfall.art/termsandconditions