Organizer Information
The Soho Open is presented by the Soho Housing Association in partnership with Parker Harris. Founded in 1974, the Soho Housing Association provides affordable housing in central London, using its commercial portfolio—including the Great Pulteney Street (GPS) Gallery—to support its primary mission.
Title & Description
The Soho Open 2026.
This distinctive open exhibition returns to the heart of Soho, offering a platform for emerging and established voices. There is no set theme, and the selection panel will choose up to 100 works for a physical exhibition at the GPS Gallery. The program is committed to discovering new talent, providing opportunities for visibility, sales, and professional development in one of London’s most vibrant cultural districts.
Categories
All Mediums, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Photography, Moving Image (max 10 mins), Print, and Textile Art.
Eligibility
- Role: Open to artists, designers, and makers, both amateur and professional.
- Location: Must be working in the United Kingdom.
- Age: 18+.
- AI Policy: Works made by AI are not admissible.
- Weight Limit: Works must not exceed 18kg.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Exhibition: Inclusion in a curated group show at Great Pulteney Street Gallery.
- Supported Solo Presentation: Awarded to up to three artists for future presentations at GPS Gallery.
- Soho Housing Association Award: £500 for an outstanding work associated with the theme "At Home in Soho."
- People's Choice Award: £500 cash prize.
- Visibility: Features in an online catalogue and dedicated sales platform active through January 2027.
Fees
- 1 Artwork: £17.50
- 2 Artworks: £30
- 3 Artworks: £40 (Maximum submission limit).
Application Requirements
- Digital Submission: Applications must be submitted through the ArtOpps portal.
- Images: 1 main image per work and up to 2 supporting images for details.
- Size Limits: 2D works max 180 x 140cm; 3D works max 50 x 50 x 100cm.
- Technical: Moving image works must include the artist's own display method (PAT tested).
How to Apply?
Submit your entry digitally via the official Parker Harris ArtOpps portal.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
- Notification: October 13, 2026.
- Delivery: November 1–2, 2026.
- Exhibition: November 6 – 22, 2026.
Location
United Kingdom, London (GPS Gallery, 36 Great Pulteney Street).
Additional Details
The selection panel includes Monika Bobinska (Gallery Manager), Kate Bryan (Soho House Art Director), Darren (LondonArtRoundup), James Payne (Curator/Critic), and artist Lisa Wright. All works are displayed at the artist’s risk; insurance is the responsibility of the participant.