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Washington Open Exhibition 2025: Spotlight
Arts Centre Washington is delighted to present an open call to artists for Washington Open Exhibition 2025: Spotlight
Spotlight is Arts Centre Washington’s annual open exhibition. We invite submissions from artists based in North East England working in a range of mediums, including two-dimensional media, sculpture, textile, ceramics, glass and moving image. People from all backgrounds and levels of experience are encouraged to apply, from amateurs to professionals.
This year we would like artists to respond to the theme of ‘Freedom – Then & Now‘ – this can be interpreted in many ways.
The exhibition gives artists a chance to display and sell their work, as well as offering the public an opportunity to see work from the regions best artists.
An opening event is scheduled to take place on Thursday 13th November, 6pm-8pm with the exhibition running until Saturday 20th December.
A winning artist will get the chance to have their own exhibition in our gallery space in 2026. The winner will be selected by a panel of Arts Centre Washington staff and the selection will take in to account visitor responses both in venue and online. The winner will be announced via our social media channels on Saturday 13th December.
Important information
Please read the important information before submitting your work.
Submissions close: Thursday 16th October, 5pm
Notification by email: Tuesday 21st October, 5pm
Delivery of artwork: Wednesday 22nd October – Saturday 1st November
Installation: Tuesday 4th November – Wednesday 12th November
Preview: Thursday 13th November, 6pm-8pm
Exhibition: Thursday 13th November – Saturday 20th December
Winner announced: Saturday 13th December, 5pm
Collection of artwork: Friday 9th January – Saturday 24th January
Who can enter?
Any artist based in North East England can enter their work.
For artists aged between 11-19, please consider submitting work to Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2026.
How many works can I submit?
Artists can submit a maximum of 3 works.
What type of work is eligible?
Two-dimensional media (drawing, painting, photography etc.), sculpture, textile, ceramics, glass and moving image work is eligible for submission.
All works must be an original creation by the artist.
All works must be available to be displayed for the full duration of the exhibition.
How much does it cost to enter?
Spotlight is free to enter and there is no additional cost if work is selected.
How should I present my work?
There are no limitations on the dimensions of the work submitted, but this will be considered during selection due to the limitations of the space.
2D works should preferably be framed and mirror plated. If this isn’t possible, we may need to find alternative ways of hanging which may result in contact with the work.
If 3D works needs to be mounted, secure fixings must be attached to the work prior to delivery.
Works should be delivered and collected on the specified delivery and collection days. (See Key Dates)
Please pay close attention to our opening times
Works must be signed in and out by a member of staff at reception.
If you are unable to deliver or collect your work, you may send another person on your behalf.
Delivery
Works should be delivered suitably wrapped, with the name of the artist and artwork attached.
If works are not delivered within the specified delivery days, Arts Centre Washington reserves the right to omit the work from exhibition.
Collection
Works will be returned wrapped.
If works are not collected within the specified collection days, Arts Centre Washington reserves the right to dispose of the work.
How are works selected for exhibition?
The works will be selected by a panel of Arts Centre Washington staff and the selection will be based upon the quality and originality of the work, as well as the works relation to the themes of the exhibition.
May I ask for feedback?
We are unable to offer feedback due to the high quantity of submissions.
How is the winner selected?
The winner will be selected by a panel of Arts Centre Washington staff and the selection will take in to consideration visitor responses both in venue and online.
Does my work have to be for sale?
No, the work does not have to be for sale.
How should I price my work?
The work should be priced at your discretion, but please take in to consideration that Arts Centre Washington will take 30% commission of all works sold directly through the exhibition.
May I change the price of my work once submitted?
The price of the work may be changed after submission, but please confirm the new price with Arts Centre Washington via email as soon as possible.
How will I know if my work has sold?
You will be notified by Arts Centre Washington if your work sells.
During the course of the exhibition you or your artwork may be photographed or recorded on video. On occasions this material may be used for promotional purposes by Arts Centre Washington or Sunderland Culture.
Arts Centre Washington will not be held responsible for loss of or damage to artworks in getting to and from the venue.
We strongly recommend artists to acquire their own Public Liability Insurance, although this won’t affect eligibility for this opportunity.
If you require support with your application, please contact:
