BORDERS & BOUNDARIES

Deadline: 30/01/2026

City: Colchester CO1 1UE  |  Region: Essex  |  Country: United Kingdom  |  Rekha Sameer

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We would like to invite creatives to respond to the theme Borders/Boundaries. All selected artists will be part of a series of online meets before works created for the theme will be given an opportunity to exhibit in UK, Lithuania and Belgium in 2026.

Borders and Boundaries (Without & Within) are strategies that aim to order our daily forms of exchange and coexistence.

They play a significant role in identity politics.

Borders are inherent to logics of inside and outside, practices of inclusion and exclusion, and questions about identity and difference.

Of course, there are many different types of borders that can be identified: divisions along ethnic, national or racial lines; class-based forms of stratification; regional and geographical differences; religious, cultural, gender and generational boundaries and so on.

Multiple wars, historically and currently raging around the World, are about the redefinition and reclamation of Borders and Boundaries.

We invite artists to submit a short essay on how and why the theme is relevant to them.

The selections would be based on an essay espousing a general view of the theme and submission of 5 images of works with a short description.

Selections will be announced as and when we receive the submissions.

We foresee a group of 25/30 artists to be part of this journey.

There will be a series of online meetings for introductions and exchanges. 

Artists will be given an opportunity to do short introductions of their practice.

General discussions around the topic would be facilitated by the curators.

The aspiration is to have a group guided path towards the creation of art outcomes.

The curators aim to have a show which showcases multiple perspectives/languages that interpret the theme.

The works might come from a deeply personal space, but would have a universal resonance.

Galleries in UK, Lithuania and Belgium have confirmed dates in 2026.

Artists can show three different works for the 3 venues or exhibit the same.

During the shows, there will be an artist in residence in the gallery doing site specific works and expected to give talks to invited guests.

Artists will be encouraged to do workshops and engage with the local community.

Fees for showing in all three galleries are 400£ each for selected artists.

Arts Council funding is pending. If we do receive funding, transport costs of all artworks and gallery fees will be funded. 

Make a submission Contact the curator
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
All Creatives and artists from all over the world.
When is the deadline?
30/01/2026
How many works can I submit?
One essay and 5 images of significant works.
Are there payments to artists?
Yes, Subject to Arts Council Funding. Successful funding will allow us to support gallery fees and transport costs of all artworks.
Is there a private view / opening?
Yes
Does the location have disabled access?
Yes
What publicity will be provided as part of the opportunity?
Social Media and Website.
Do I need to be present?
Yes if in the country for workshops and talks.
Where will my venue be listed?
Facebook, Instagram and Website.
How do you decide on proposals?
From the essay and images submitted.
What happens if my proposal is chosen?
You will be given all details of payment and schedule for participation.
What kind of proposals are you looking for?
Open proposals that are experimental and explorative.
What are the selection criteria?
Looking for authentic, open minded artists who will allow new thoughts and ideas to inhabit their minds and artworks.
Comprehensive Creative/Art Portfolio.

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