Submissions start for the Young Artist Open exhibition

Budding young artists are being encouraged to enter their artwork for an exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery.

The Young Artist Open exhibition, previously known as the Junior Open, has been held annually at the Ferens Art Gallery since 2003 and celebrates the creative talent of young people in Hull and the surrounding area. Artworks are submitted by individuals, schools and local community groups, aged 15 and under.

The Young Artist Open is a brilliant opportunity to champion the young artistic spirit of the region. The gallery displays between 300 and 700 artworks each year, as well as delivering workshops for school groups.

Each year there is a huge variety of work on display, from paintings and drawings, to pastels, collage and prints. Subject matters also vary, including portraits, local landscapes and still life.

Artworks can be submitted for the competition at the gallery now until 28 June.

All artworks entered have a chance to win a prize in their age category: six and under, seven to 11 and 12 to 15. Prizes are kindly donated by our exhibition sponsors, the Friends of the Ferens and the Hull and East Riding branch of The Art Society.

Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for culture, said: “The young artists who enter the Ferens Open send a wonderful message about the power of creativity and self-expression.

“Their exceptional work is a reminder of the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in the arts and a reason we are committed to investing in Hull’s thriving cultural sector.’’

Madeline Brace, Exhibitions Assistant at the Ferens Art Gallery, said: “We are very excited to welcome another cohort of artworks to the gallery and continue to celebrate the achievements of our young artists.

“Every year, young artists and their families tell us how proud the exhibition makes them feel and how it motivates them to continue creating.”

The competition is free to enter, and selected works will be shown in an exhibition in the Ferens Art Gallery from 16 October 2026 to 10 January 2027.

Entry forms are available now in the gallery and online at www.ferensartgallery.co.uk.

For more information on eligibility and other relevant dates, visit the website for more details. All Terms and Conditions apply.