Organizer Information
Warbling is an artist-run curatorial project focused on sharing and exhibiting quiet, subtle artworks from artists working in a distinctively soft register. The project began as an Instagram account in 2017, which acted as a springboard for physical group exhibitions organized through international open calls in London. The project is organized and curated by London-based artist Robyn Graham, who runs Warbling as an individual, presenting artists from around the world — including those outside major cities — alongside London-based artists. Past exhibitions have included group shows at venues such as Hoxton 253, 19 Greek Street, and various pop-up spaces across London, featuring mediums including sculpture, installation, photography, and painting.
Title & Description
Open Call: HOW WE HOLD WHAT WON'T STAY
Warbling is inviting submissions for its latest group exhibition, titled "How We Hold What Won't Stay." The title serves only as a point of departure — artists are free to decide whether or how it resonates with their practice, and there is no fixed theme. Submitted works will be considered in relation to the exhibition as a whole, and the show is intended to take shape organically based on the variety of submissions received. The exhibition will bring together participating artists' works for a short run in London, continuing Warbling's pattern of temporary, internationally sourced group exhibitions.
Theme
No fixed theme; the title "How We Hold What Won't Stay" is offered as an open point of departure, and the final shape of the exhibition will be determined organically by the submissions received.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Installation
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Painting
- Mixed Media
- Multiple Disciplines
- Site-specific
Eligibility
- Open to international, UK-based, and London-based artists
- All mediums welcome, with no size limitations (including works suspended from the ceiling)
- Work must be new, created within the last three years (2022–2026)
- Artists who have exhibited with Warbling previously are welcome to submit; each exhibition typically includes a small number of returning artists
Program Benefits & Awards
- Inclusion in a curated group exhibition in London
- Equipment such as plinths and screens provided by Warbling if needed
- Promotion via warbling.co.uk and the @warblingcollective Instagram account
- For artists based outside Greater London: return shipping of artworks arranged and paid for by Warbling after the exhibition closes, including tracking information
- Invigilation provided while the exhibition is open to the public
Application Fee
£25 (non-refundable) to submit up to five individual pieces. Payment is by card via Stripe on the website; PayPal is available on request by emailing the organizer directly.
Application Requirements
- Up to five distinct pieces of work submitted via the online form
- Images uploaded directly to the submission form (up to 5MB each)
- Image files must be titled with: Title, Year, Medium, Dimensions (cm), Price (GBP£), First Name and Surname
- Images must depict the exact, completed work being submitted (no works in progress)
- For video work: a link (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube) with password, submitted through the form
- Details of any specific equipment requirements (e.g., own plinths/screens) noted in the submission form
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 August 2026
- Lineup Announcement: 16th August 2026
- Shipped Artwork Arrival Window (non-London artists): 17th August – 27th September 2026
- London Artist Drop-off: Monday, 5th October 2026, 9–11 AM
- Exhibition Dates: 6th–11th October 2026
- London Artist Collection: Sunday, 11th October 2026, 2–5 PM
Location
Unit 3 Mill Row, Whitmore Estate, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Warbling retains a 30% commission on all sales made during the exhibition; artists should factor this into pricing
- Works are not required to be for sale — artists should mark "NFS" (Not For Sale) next to the artwork details in the file name if applicable
- Artists are responsible for the cost and insurance of delivering artwork to London; Warbling covers shipping only if the artwork sells during the exhibition
- Substitutions for accepted works that sell, become unavailable, or prove too costly to ship are not guaranteed
- All selected works must be available for installation and display in London for the full exhibition run (5th–11th October 2026)
- Warbling is not responsible for loss or damage to artworks; artists are encouraged to carry their own insurance
- Warbling reserves the right to photograph artwork and use the images for publicity and educational purposes in perpetuity; by submitting to the call, the artist agrees to these terms
- Selected artists may be asked for additional images or information for promotional use