What is it about football? Play Beautiful seeks works that explore the undeniable effect (positive, negative, and neutral) that football has within contemporary culture.

‘When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea’ - Eric Cantona 

Football is a truly global exploration of the human condition. With the Men’s World Cup this summer, we are inviting artists to submit works that interrogate the effects the game has on society; both at a public and personal level. Whether you hold the belief that football is beautiful or not, the fans are beautiful or not, or the pies are beautiful or not, submissions from creatives - working in any medium - will have their voices heard on a game which splits audiences globally. 

These works may be based on nostalgic memories, prejudices held towards supporters, or the frustration of being a follower of the game without a voice; the ‘goal’ being to provide a balanced expression of football.