LOCAL artists are being given a chance to present their work at Leicester’s flagship museum, as preparations for this year’s Open exhibition get under way.
The popular annual Open exhibition is a showcase for artistic talent from across the East Midlands – open to anyone, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals.
Entries for the exhibition are now open and artists have until 1pm on Monday 30 September to submit their online applications.
Submissions are invited from artists aged 19 and over who live or study in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Northamptonshire.
There is also a category for young artists aged five to 18, with schools also invited to submit entries on behalf of a class.
After the closing date, a panel of judges will select the paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints and photographs that will go on display in December at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on New Walk.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “Leicester’s annual open exhibition attracts a huge amount of interest from all kinds of artists – from talented young children and enthusiastic amateurs, through to experienced professionals.
“It’s an opportunity for all creatives, whether they’re painters, sculptors or photographers, or they work with digital or mixed-media, to showcase their work in the fabulous surroundings of Leicester Museum & Art Gallery – and it’s a great way to celebrate the rich artistic diversity of the region.”
Entry fees for the adult category of the Open are £20 for a single piece of work, £30 for two and £40 for three artworks. Concessionary rates are available for students and artists aged over 60, while entries for young artists are free of charge.
The Open exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 14 December 2024 and runs until Friday 31 January 2025.
Outstanding pieces will be awarded prizes donated by local businesses and groups. Artworks on display will be available for sale, and purchased pieces can be collected once the exhibition has closed to the public.
Further information, including full terms and conditions and a link to the online application form, is available at leicestermuseums.org/TheOpen