Open call
Open Call - Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition 2025
This annual judged exhibition invites artists from across the region to submit their work for the chance to be showcased in one of Somerset’s leading
Artists working in a variety of media are encouraged to apply, including paintings, original prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and digital collage (please note that photography will not be considered).
An experienced panel of judges, including Carol Carey, Creative Director of Somerset Arts Works, artist Sally Wetherall, artist Robin MacKenzie, Bryony Tidball, Ilminster Arts Centre Manager, and Mike Lanigan, 3D expert and Art Centre Representative, will carefully select works for inclusion in the exhibition.
The competition boasts a total prize fund of £750, with awards for:
· Overall Winner
· Two Runners-Up
· Highly commended
· Emerging Artist Prize (for students and recent Bachelor Degree graduates)
· Visitors' Choice Award – voted for by exhibition visitors throughout the month-long exhibition
In addition to prize money, all award winners will be invited to participate in the Prize Winners’ Exhibition, set to take place in January 2026.
The Ilminster Open Exhibition 2025 is supported by Somerset Art Works, a countywide agency dedicated to developing the visual arts, and proudly sponsored by Branston, a renowned local business.
The exhibition will run from 17th June to 18th July 2025, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. The Prize Giving Event will take place on Wednesday, 18th June, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, where winners will be announced. Everyone is welcome to attend!
An experienced panel of judges, including Carol Carey, Creative Director of Somerset Arts Works, artist Sally Wetherall, artist Robin MacKenzie, Bryony Tidball, Ilminster Arts Centre Manager, and Mike Lanigan, 3D expert and Art Centre Representative, will carefully select works for inclusion in the exhibition.
The competition boasts a total prize fund of £750, with awards for:
· Overall Winner
· Two Runners-Up
· Highly commended
· Emerging Artist Prize (for students and recent Bachelor Degree graduates)
· Visitors' Choice Award – voted for by exhibition visitors throughout the month-long exhibition
In addition to prize money, all award winners will be invited to participate in the Prize Winners’ Exhibition, set to take place in January 2026.
The Ilminster Open Exhibition 2025 is supported by Somerset Art Works, a countywide agency dedicated to developing the visual arts, and proudly sponsored by Branston, a renowned local business.
The exhibition will run from 17th June to 18th July 2025, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. The Prize Giving Event will take place on Wednesday, 18th June, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, where winners will be announced. Everyone is welcome to attend!
