Creative Opportunities
This page is dedicated to sharing creative opportunities both here at Exeter Phoenix and from other creative projects and organisations in the region.
Current Opportunities
Apply to the Exeter Contemporary Open
Deadline: Sun 08 June
We are looking for contemporary visual artists working in any media including painting, sculpture, photography, print, drawing, video, mixed and digital media to submit work to our annual open submission exhibition.
Artists should make submissions that reflect their current practice, and the selection panel will particularly be looking for work that reflects current directions, themes and concerns in contemporary practice.
The exhibition will take place from 11 Sep – 01 Nov, and selected artists will be eligible for the following awards: £1,000 Overall Award, £500 Additional Award, £200 Audience Choice Award.
Two Short Nights 2026 Festival: Submissions now open! | Earlybird Deadline: 31 May
Regular Deadline: July 31, 2025
Our 24th edition of the Two Short Nights Film Festival will take place between 05 - 06 March 2026. The festival is open to short films of all production techniques, including animation, documentary, drama, music videos, experimental or artists' moving image and hybrid work from low to high budgets. Films must have a maximum duration of 20 minutes including credits.
CURATOR BANK | Deadline: 30 June
We’re excited to be part of Curator Bank, a new initiative that supports visual artists in the South West through mentoring support.
Curator Bank offers one-to-one meetings with the people who build exhibition programmes, commission new work, acquire for collections and champion emerging voices.
Our 2025 curator lineup represents major visual arts organisations in the South West - from experimental spaces to national collections. Their specialties span:
- Contemporary exhibition development
- Substantial public art commissioning
- Museum acquisition
- Experimental digital platforms
- Community and socially engaged practice
How to apply:
You can find out more and apply online via the Visual Arts South West website.
There is no competitive selection, after an initial process to match people with similar areas of interest, randomised software will be used to ensure equal access. If you’re not successful for this round, you can be automatically put forward for the next round or be connected with another artist for peer-to-peer support.
Ongoing Opportunities
Creative Hub
Looking for creative opportunities in the South West? Our Creative Hub publication shares monthly updates on all things creative in Exeter.
COMMISSIONS
Every year Exeter Phoenix commissions new work, primarily from artists, filmmakers and theatre makers based in the South West region.
LITTLE SCRATCH NIGHT
What comes before Scratch? The itch, of course!
Little Scratch is an informal, safe and nurturing space for local creatives to not only talk through their ideas, but to connect with fellow creatives about the kind of work they want to create, on a monthly basis.
Exhibiting Opportunities
Gallery333 is a dedicated space to exhibit small, contemporary art installations. It is an intimate ‘window’ gallery space with a secure glass door situated in a busy location within the building. Dimensions are 125cm high x 74cm wide x 36cm deep.
NEW BAND SHOWCASE
New Band Showcase is a regular opportunity for emerging musicians to perform on the big stage at Exeter Phoenix! We are a proud supporter of new talent and accept applications to perform at future New Band Showcases on an ongoing basis. Please email us with a link to listen to your work.
Join Our Team Of Volunteer Stewards
None of the day to day activity at Exeter Phoenix could be accomplished without our passionate team of volunteers and staff to make it happen. We’re always looking for new people to get involved.