The Mill Gallery invites submissions for The Open 2026, a curated group exhibition presenting contemporary work in Leeds. The programme focuses on accessible, artist led exhibition making and supporting artists to show work to new and engaged audiences.

We welcome submissions in painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, and printmaking. The exhibition will bring together a focused selection of work from emerging and established artists, offering a platform to present work within a professional gallery context.

Selected artists will exhibit in a curated gallery setting, with support from the team and opportunities for documentation. The exhibition sits within a wider artist led studio community, contributing to an active and developing programme of exhibitions and events.

The Mill Gallery is currently being reconfigured, with a newly designed exhibition space launching alongside this open call. The updated layout introduces new walls and display points, allowing for a more considered and focused presentation of work.

The Open 2026 will be the first exhibition in this updated space, offering selected artists the opportunity to be part of a new phase in the gallery’s programme.

We encourage submissions from artists at all stages of their careers, particularly work that demonstrates clarity of vision, originality, and a strong sense of material or conceptual enquiry.

Submission Details:

• Entry fee: £25 (for up to 5 artworks)
• Selected artworks will be curated by The Mill Gallery Curators
• All works must be for sale, with prices set by the artist
• Exhibition dates: 29th May - 26th June
• PV: Friday 29th May (6:30 pm - 9 pm)
• If selected, all artwork deliveries must be arranged with the gallery and delivered by Wednesday 27 May
  
  

Terms and Conditions:

• All work must be original and created by the artist, or limited edition prints.
• Artists must be 18+ and based in the UK (students are welcome to apply).
• Artworks must not exceed 90cm in any dimension.
• The non-refundable submission fee is £25 for up to 5 artworks.
• The Mill Gallery charges a 40% commission on any sales made during the exhibition.
  
  

About the Opportunity:

• Opportunity to sell your work — sales are encouraged and subject to a 40% gallery commission
• Curated group exhibition
• Opening event/private view with opportunities for networking
• A chance to share your work in a vibrant, high-quality gallery setting at The Mill Gallery
• Marketing & promotion
  
  

About the Organisers:

APS (Artist Professional Support) is an artist-led organisation based in Leeds, supporting underrepresented creatives since 2015 through exhibitions, workshops, and studio space.

We believe in accessibility, creativity, and social impact.

The exhibition will be held at The Mill Gallery, Unit 5 Cardinal House, Swinnow Grange Mills, LS13 4EP

After submitting your first artwork, you will be directed to make a payment. 

After making your payment, you will be able to submit four more submission forms.

Just click on the 'Make a submission' tab to make another submission.