Open Call Now Live | In association with Experimental Art Rising (EAR), Garfield Of London invites artists and creative practitioners to apply for 'MY RED BALLOON' Exhibition 2026. Your work should feature a red balloon or an interpretation thereof, and respond to one of the meanings for MY RED BALLOON

MY RED BALLOON | Exhibition 2026

4th - 8th November 2026 | London

The concept of My Red Balloon was born during Covid and was used as a device within a therapy session. It was something to hold on to, something to look forward to, when feeling like there was no hope.

Staying true to these origins, your submission should feature a red balloon or an interpretation thereof, and respond to one of the following meanings for MY RED BALLOON :

MY RED BALLOON = Hopes and dreams
MY RED BALLOON = Finding what makes you happy
MY RED BALLOON = Finding your purpose
MY RED BALLOON = Finding your creative flow
MY RED BALLOON = Being in good health
MY RED BALLOON = Being in love
MY RED BALLOON = Freedom
MY RED BALLOON = Recovery
MY RED BALLOON = Escape from depression

WHO CAN APPLY

This opportunity is only open to UK artists.

We invite artists, performers, and creative practitioners to submit works across the following categories, including but not limited to:

• Visual Arts: includes painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, mixed media, ceramics, illustration, animation, metal work, decorative jewellery, glass work or textiles.
• Digital and Media Arts: includes digital art, short films, experimental film, AI-generated art
• Performance and Live Arts: includes dance and performance art
• Sound and Music: includes sound installations, and live sound performance

MEDIA AND SIZE

• Mediums accepted are: painting, collage, video, installation, photography, digital, sculpture, ceramics, textile, sound sculptures, spoken word poetry, and performance (All 2D and 3D works must be hang ready, and plinth ready)
• Wall-mounted works: maximum size 110W x 110H cm
• Large sculptures or installations or ceramics: maximum size 80W x 80H x 35Dcm
• Video works: maximum length 5 minutes

SUBMISSIONS

Submission is FREE

• Submit up to 3 works for consideration.
• Each artist is selected to exhibit one piece only, 1 work up to 110W x 110Hcm for paintings, collage, photography, videos, 
• 1 work up to 80W x 80H x 35Dcm for sculptures, installations or ceramics.
• Please include a few images of your work and a link to your website/social media. 
• You may submit images of multiple works, but only one will be selected.
• Please label images in the following format: YourArtistName_ArtworkTitle_Medium_Dimentions
• There is  a participation fee of £50 for selected applicants.

KEY DATES & DEADLINES

• Submissions Opens: August 27th  2026
• Submissions Closes: October 10th 2026
• Notification of participation: October 17th 2026
• Delivery of works: 3rd November 2026
• Exhibition: 4th - 8th November 2026

WHAT YOU GET

Selected artists will have their work exhibited in London, gaining visibility and the opportunity to be part of the My Red Balloon curated programme connecting artists and audiences across cultures.

The breakdown

• Your work will be featured in our printed and digital catalogues, shared with curators, collectors, and institutions.
• Media promotion through EAR's & Garfield Of London’s social media, and press network.
• Selected works will be professionally presented & promoted to a network of collectors and institutional buyers.
• Sales support is provided.
• Take part in live artist talks and networking events.
• Support from EAR's & Garfield Of London’s curatorial and marketing teams.

SALES & COMMISIONS

All works for sale follow the following sales structure:

• Original works = 80% to artist / 20% commission.
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Artists are responsible for transport and insurance of their work.
• Installation and deinstallation schedules will be communicated upon selection.
• By submitting, artists grant permission to use images of their work for promotional purposes.

ABOUT E.A.R. AND GARFIELD OF LONDON

Experimental Art Rising (EAR) is a London-based artist-led collective of 20+ artists, dedicated to supporting and showcasing emerging voices on the fringes of the contemporary art world.

Part of the EAR mission is to elevate marginalised or underground artistic practices and create shared critical space for experimental media.

EAR's focus is on multidisciplinary works spanning painting, collage, sculpture, sound, installation, video, photography, and performance; providing curatorial and exhibition support.

Garfield Of London is a member of the EAR collective and is a London-based mental well-being conceptual artist. He works across installation, sound, moving image, sculpture, and digital.

His multi-disciplinary practice explores how art can anchor & trigger positive emotional states by activating memories of happiness and creating emotional balance. The visual language of his creations is used as a tool for reflection, presence, and introspection.