Open 30: The People’s Exhibition

The Open is Leicester’s longstanding open art exhibition which explores the abundance of creativity that courses through the East Midlands and provides you with the opportunity to show your own artwork.

It is an exhibition which means that anyone can apply as long as they satisfy the initial criteria. Work is selected for the exhibition from the pool of entries by independent judges.

The exhibition showcases art and crafts made by artists and makers from the East Midlands. It celebrates the richness and diversity of the region and includes a vast array of exciting artwork from painting, prints, textiles and sculpture.

Work made by children, youth, adults, beginners and professionals are all presented alongside each other at Leicester’s New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, where it is on sale and outstanding artworks are awarded prizes donated to the exhibition by local creative businesses.

What is special about this year?

This year marks 30 years of the annual exhibition, an exciting cultural milestone for Leicester. To celebrate the occasion, Open 30 will have more chances for you to get involved, by holding workshops and more. Further details will be posted soon, so keep checking this webpage.

Who can apply?

To apply to Open 30, there are two conditions all entrants must satisfy:

  1. All entrants must live or study in the East Midlands, this includes the regions of Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Northamptonshire.
  2. All entrants must be aged 5 and above.

Open 30 is split into two categories, these are:

  • Young People (aged between 5 – 18)
  • Adult (aged 19+).

When you apply, please select the appropriate category for your application.

How do I apply?

All artists and makers from across the East Midlands are welcome to apply to Open 30 by completing an application form, using the link below:

You will need to send us images and information of the work that you would like to submit along with your contact details. We will only accept submissions made through the application form.

All submissions must be made online, using a computer or compatible device. If you need any help to apply or have any additional needs, please send us an email.

Start Date

17th October 2019

Closing Date

20th October 2019