A landscape image of an gallery with frames on the wall and a black abstract sculpture in the foreground.
The Open Exhibition at the Ferens in 2023

Call for artists to submit artwork for the 2024 Open Exhibition

Ferens Art Gallery is calling for submissions from professional and amateur artists for the 2024 Open Exhibition.

Whether a regular exhibitor or entering for the very first time, for work to be seen by thousands of people, or to sell, the Ferens Open caters for all.

Artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their work and showcase a broad range of artworks in all mediums. Young artists are also encouraged to apply as a Hallett & Future Ferens Young Artist Award of £200 available to win for artists aged 16 to 25 years.   

All UK artists aged 16 or above can enter and are eligible to submit up to three pieces of work for consideration between Tuesday 20 February and Tuesday 12 March using an online application form. Works will then be selected by a panel of specialist judges from the arts sector in April.

The chosen artworks will be on display from Friday 28 June until Sunday 22 September at the Ferens Art Gallery. Successful artists will be eligible to win cash prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Ferens, and BSB Architecture.

The Gallery is offering free 30-minute workshops during the submission period for artists needing support with: submitting artwork online, photographing artwork, and setting up an email address. Full details can be found here: www.ferensopen.co.uk

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The annual Open Exhibition, which has been running since 1967 at the Ferens Art Gallery, celebrates the creativity of artists locally and regionally. This is a great opportunity for local and UK based artists to have a go and submit their artwork for consideration.

“This is an important exhibition in Hull that showcases exceptional talent, especially in the local area. The diversity of the content, and of the artists’ who submit work for the Open is its hallmark.”

Claire Longrigg, Exhibitions Officer at Ferens Art Gallery, said: “The Open Exhibition draws thousands of visitors each year and is a major highlight of the gallery’s exhibition programme.  We are very excited and looking forward to seeing the broad range of artwork submissions that come in online from 20 February.

“Artists who may not be confident with either photographing their artwork or making a submission online can sign up for one of our free 30-minute workshops at the gallery.” 

It costs just £5 to submit each piece of work (only 3 artworks maximum per artist) and the work must have been created within the last 18 months. All artists will be notified of the selector’s decision by email, and if successful will be asked to deliver the artwork to the gallery from Thursday 6 June – Wednesday 12 June 2024.

For full terms and conditions and more information on submitting your artwork, see: www.ferensopen.co.uk

This exhibition is sponsored by the Friends of the Ferens and BSB Architecture.

Young artists aged 15 and under will also have the opportunity to have their work displayed in the gallery in the Young Artist Open Exhibition which will also be on from Friday 28 June until Sunday 22 September. Full details can be found at: www.FerensArtGallery.co.uk

The Deep in Hull.