36th Annual Open Online

About

This year has been an unexpected challenge in many ways, for everyone. We have had to learn new skills and find new ways of supporting each other. The long-held tradition of our Annual Open Exhibition, founded the same year as the gallery in 1984, is no different.

At this time of year the annual excitement of filling our gallery walls floor to ceiling with artworks and having everyone here to celebrate the show, is sadly not possible, so we’ve had to adapt.

This year the 36th Annual Open Exhibition will go completely digital, with 2D & 3D works taking over our online shop and moving image works screened throughout the exhibition on our website. To engage as many artists as possible we have also waived our submission fees this year.

We are delighted to announce that this year's 'Best in Show' will be selected by the internationally renowned artist Bedwyr Williams. The winner will receive a prize of £500 generously donated by Breckman & Company, announced in December.

Moving our long-established Annual Open show online is a new experience for all of us, but we believe it will be an exciting new way to showcase emerging and established artists alike, whilst increasing visibility and gaining more opportunities for all participating artists to show and sell their work to a far broader online audience here in London, nationally and across the world. 

With over 300 artworks available for purchase via the online exhibition, it’s a great opportunity to purchase affordable artwork, build your own collection or get that ultimate Christmas gift for a loved one (or yourself!).

Every sale directly supports artists whilst contributing Southwark Park Galleries' charitable aims; vitally helping keep our programme of exhibitions, events and learning activities free to everyone forever. 

The Annual Open has always existed to encourage artists at all stages of their career from across the UK to show their work within a much loved, large-scale annual salon. Every work submitted is shown in this exhibition, with no rejections, and this year without any submission fee.* 

*Submissions and their content are subject to our constitution or ethical policies, therefore some work may not be accepted if they are deemed as in breach of these.