Our open call for submissions runs from 10am on 23 February to 2pm on 30 March 2026. Selected artists will join our Artist Development Programme from September 2026, culminating in a group exhibition at Focal Point Gallery (Southend-on-Sea), opening in June 2027.

We welcome submissions from emerging and early career artists based in the UK. There are no strict requirements around education, training or career path. Applicants must be over 21, with no upper age limit.

We actively encourage applications from artists who are underrepresented in the sector, including those who experience barriers linked to ethnicity, class, disability, gender and sexuality.

Artists based anywhere in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales are encouraged to apply.

We welcome applications from artists who:

• Are based in the UK and whose work can be collected from and returned to a UK address
• Are aged 21 or over at the time of submission
• Are available to take part in our Artist Development Programme once a month, online and/or in person, between September 2026 and June 2027
• Have not previously exhibited with New Contemporaries
• Are applying as an individual, duo, or collective (with all members meeting the criteria)

This opportunity is open to artists at an early or emerging stage of their practice, with no formal expectations around education, training or career path. 

Selected artists take part in our annual programme from September 2026 to June 2027. This includes:

• A structured Artist Development Programme running once a month, with online and in-person sessions from September 2026 to June 2027. It includes two mentoring sessions, peer networking, workshops and talks.
• Exhibiting as part of a major group exhibition at Focal Point Gallery (Southend-on-Sea), opening in June 2027, and the opportunity to contribute to their public and digital programmes
• An artist fee
• A travel and accommodation bursary to attend the Artist Development Programme in-person sessions and the exhibition opening
• Access support when required
• An opportunity to sell your work during the exhibition

• Open call: 10am, 23 February – 2pm, 30 March 2016
• Selection period: March to June 2026
• Artists notified of outcome: End June 2026
• Artist Development Programme: September 2026 – June 2027
• Exhibition opens: 26 June 2027, Focal Point Gallery
• Exhibition dates: 30 June – 11 September 2027

Applications are submitted through our online Submissions website during the open call period from 10am on 23 February 2026 to 2pm on 23 March 2026.

You are invited to submit up to three works that best represent your current practice, in any medium, along with a short written statement about your work and how this opportunity could support your practice.

If selected, we will work with you to agree on the final work for the exhibition. This may develop from your original submission, reflecting the natural evolution of your practice, the time between selection and the exhibition, and the overall curatorial approach.

Selections will be made based on your initial application.

There is a £25 non-refundable submission fee, payable via PayPal on the Submission site. This fee directly supports the Artist Development Programme, including mentoring, artist fees, travel, workshops, networking opportunities and access support.

Each artist may submit only one application. Duos or collectives may submit one joint application.

We are committed to making our application process accessible. If you have access needs or would like support with your application, please contact access@newcontemporaries.org.uk.

A step by step guide and video walkthrough of the submission process will be available on the Submissions website.

All submissions are reviewed by a selection panel made up of artists Joy Gregory, Florence Peake and Abbas Zahedi, alongside the New Contemporaries team.

The selection process takes place in two stages. Shortlisted artists will be invited to share some additional information to support their submission.

The panel reviews all submissions and selects the final group of artists for the programme.

We carefully review every application; however, due to the high volume we receive, we’re unable to provide individual feedback.

By submitting an application to New Contemporaries, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

Eligibility and submissions

• Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria at the time of submission.
• Only one application per artist is permitted. Duos or collectives may submit one joint application, provided all members meet the eligibility criteria.
• Incomplete, duplicate or late applications will not be considered.
• The submission fee is non refundable, including where an application is ineligible, unsuccessful or withdrawn.

Artwork requirements

• Submitted works should be completed works and representative of the applicant’s practice at the time of applying.
• Submitted works are used for selection purposes. The final work exhibited may differ and will be agreed through discussion during the programme.
• Applicants must hold all moral, intellectual and copyright ownership of the work submitted.
• New Contemporaries accepts no responsibility for disputes relating to authorship or rights.

Selection and decision making

• All decisions made by the selection panel and New Contemporaries are final.
• New Contemporaries is unable to provide individual feedback on submissions.
• Selection reflects the perspectives and interests of the selection panel for that year.

Exhibition and availability of work

• Selected works must be available for the duration of the exhibition.
• Works must be available for collection and return from a UK address.
• Works must be available for collection on the dates specified by New Contemporaries.
• Any release of work outside the duration of the exhibition will be at the artist’s expense.

Installation and presentation

• Installation and presentation decisions are made by New Contemporaries in collaboration with exhibition partners.
• Artists are not normally required to attend installation unless agreed in advance.
• Performance or participatory works will be supported where possible through discussion with artists and partners.

Insurance and liability

• Only works selected for exhibition are covered by insurance arranged by New Contemporaries and its partners.
• Insurance applies only for agreed locations and dates.
• New Contemporaries is not responsible for loss or damage outside these periods.

Sales and commission

• New Contemporaries manages all sales of selected works during the exhibition period.
• A commission of 50 percent of the agreed sale price applies to all sales.
• Works do not need to be available for sale.
• Pricing guidance is provided in discussion with artists.

Fees, access and support

• Submission fees contribute directly to artist fees, mentoring, travel, workshops and access support.
• Access needs should be shared as early as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.
• Artist fees and payments will be confirmed in a separate agreement.

Data protection

• New Contemporaries complies with data protection legislation.
• Personal data is used only to administer submissions and the programme.
• Videos hosted via third party platforms are not publicly viewable.

Changes and withdrawal

• New Contemporaries reserves the right to make changes to programme details or timelines where necessary.
• Participation may be withdrawn if information provided is found to be false or misleading.

The Submissions website and portal will be linked here from 23 February 2026.