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Submissions invited for Baltic’s third open-call exhibition, including a Youth Open Call supported by Fenwick
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art has opened submissions for Baltic Open Submission 2026, inviting artists, makers, hobbyists and self‑taught creatives from across the North East to put work forward for its third open‑call exhibition, opening Saturday 19th September.
The six‑month show will bring together up to 100 works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, video and more, continuing Baltic’s commitment to giving visibility to practices that may not usually reach public galleries. No training or exhibition history is required — a record 1,400 people submitted in 2024, with 104 artists selected.
This year’s panel includes North East‑born international artists Laura Lancaster and Rachel Lancaster, Tees Valley Artist of the Year Will Hughes, and Baltic Assistant Curators Rose McMurray and Rosie Coleman Collier.
Alongside the main call‑out, Baltic launches a new Youth Open Call supported by Fenwick, inviting 11–17‑year‑olds to respond to the theme Local — from places and stories to personal viewpoints. Selected works will be shown within the exhibition, chosen by Baltic’s Young Producers and artist Terox, a former Open Submission exhibitor. One young artist will also receive the Fenwick Award, with their work displayed inside Fenwick’s flagship Newcastle store.
Sarah Munro MBE, Baltic Director commented, “After a hugely positive response to Our Open Submission exhibition in 2024, we are thrilled that once again we will see a breadth of talent and creativity here in our region, from painting and sculpture to video work and beyond. It is crucial that this initiative continues and regardless of whether a work is created by an established artist or someone who is self- taught, there is the chance it will be seen publicly by thousands.
“This year we are expanding the opportunity with Baltic’s Youth Open Call supported by Fenwick. Young people aged 11 17 can submit artwork which will be reviewed by a group of young people close to their age. To see both the young people’s artwork alongside the over 18s submissions in one curated exhibition will be joyful and invigorating.”
Leo Fenwick, Strategic Partnerships Director at Fenwick adds, “Continuing our partnership with Baltic for a second year reflects Fenwick’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and emerging talent, something that has always been part of our brand DNA. Art and culture are integral to both our heritage and the communities we serve, and the Youth Open provides an inspiring platform for new artists to share their work. We’re proud to help spotlight the next generation of talent across the North East, with selected works also exhibited within our Newcastle store.”
Submissions can now be made at www.baltic.art/opensub until 10:00am on 16 June 2026. Baltic Open Submission 2026 exhibition runs 19 September 2026 – May 2027.
