Exeter Contemporary Open 2026

Fri 11 Sep 2026 - Sat 31 Oct 2026

Category

Price*

Free

Time

Open Mon – Sat, 10am – 5.30pm

Exeter Contemporary Open 2026

Exeter Contemporary Open is an annual exhibition, selected from hundreds of entries, submitted by artists from across the UK. It forms a major highlight of the South West’s cultural calendar and a vital springboard for the careers of emerging contemporary artists.

This year’s shortlist showcases the work of twelve contemporary visual artists who work across painting, sculpture, photography and drawing.

 

2026 ARTISTS

Piers Alsop | Nahraine Al-Khafaji | Adam Hedley | David Kefford | Dolly Kershaw 

William Luz | Jan McCullough | Andrew Miller | Darren O’Brien | Nisaa Saeed Raja 

Cylena Simonds | Sebastian Thomas 

 

The exhibiting artists, who were selected by gallerist Sid Motion, artist Martyn Cross, and Phoenix Gallery Curator, Matt Burrows, are each eligible to receive the £1000 Overall Award and £500 additional Award as well as the £250 Audience Choice Award, which will be voted for by exhibition visitors over the course of the exhibition.

Exhibition Tours

Join us for a free, informal tour of the exhibition to find out more about the artworks on show, ask questions and share your responses.

Tour Dates

  • Weds 23rd Sept, 12pm
  • Sat 17 Oct, 12pm

There is no need to book: just turn up on the day.

The exhibition is supported by Gravita chartered accountants.

LOCATION: Exeter Phoenix Gallery

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