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 fourteen contemporary visual artists who work across painting, sculpture, photography and video.

2025 ARTISTS

Helen Acklam | Stacey Allan | Chris Alton | Yiduo Cheng | Andy Cluer | Mani Kambo | Kenji Lim | Giles Round | Divya Sharma | Nancy Singh | Ross Taylor | Sophie Wake | Charlotte Warne Thomas | Lily Wei

The exhibiting artists, who were selected by Harriet Cooper, Remi Rana-Allen 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.