Artist: Lucy Threlfall
Yardley Arts Summer Open 2026
An exhibition of contemporary fine art, painting and sculpture
Key Exhibition Details
Open for entries: now until 12 May 2026
Awards reception & Private view: 25 June 2026, 6 – 8pm
Exhibition dates: 25 June – 19 July 2026
Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Why submit your work?
Selected artworks will be displayed:
in our bright, beautiful gallery space
in our newly develiped sculpture garden, and
on our dedicated online exhibition platform.
By taking part, you will:
Be part of one of the region’s most exciting open exhibitions
Exhibit in a professionally curated environment with strong public engagement
Benefit from an online gallery showcasing all works to maximise visibility and sales
Gain exposure to a high-profile panel of judges
Connect with buyers, collectors and the media
Compete for prestigious prizes recognising outstanding contemporary practice
Prizes:
The Woodmansterne Fine Art Prize – £1,000
The Stefanie Price Sculpture Prize – £1,000
People’s Choice Awards – 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (chosen by visitors)
How to enter
Online submissions for the Yardley Arts Summer Open 2026 are open now until 12 May 2026.
Selection panel
David Mach RA – Renowned Scottish sculptor, collagist and installation artist. Royal Academician since 1998. Turner Prize nominee (1988) and former Professor of Sculpture at the Royal Academy Schools.
Anthony Spira – Director of MK Gallery since 2009. Former curator at Whitechapel Gallery, London and the Jeu de Paume, Paris.
Amanda Lowther & Louise Newton – Directors of The British Art Portfolio, (est. 2011). Specialists in contemporary & nineteenth-century British art and sculpture, based in Northamptonshire.
More about the exhibition
The Yardley Arts Summer Open 2026 is a major new open-call exhibition celebrating the very best of contemporary art. Running from 25 June to 19 July 2026, this exhibition invites artists from across the UK to submit both 2D and 3D works for selection by a panel of respected art professionals.
Now in its ninth year, Yardley Arts has become a vibrant hub in Yardley Hastings, Northamptonshire – a place where community, culture and artistic excellence meet. From our converted Victorian building, we continue to champion artists, present ambition exhibitions and welcome thousands of visitors who share a passion for art in all its forms.
As part of the programme, the exhibition will also feature in the popular Yardley Hastings Open Gardens event on Sunday 28th June 2026, with artists working live in participating gardens – creating a unique and inspiring dialogue between art, landscape and community.
Expected audiences: over 2,500 visitors in person and more than 10,000 online.
Submit your work. Share your voice. Be seen.
Join hundreds of artists who have built new audiences, professional connections and creative momentum through Yardley Arts.
Submit your work to the Yardley Arts Summer Open 2026 and be part of an exhibition that celebrates, supports and elevates contemporary practice.
Exhibition Contact: exhibitions@yardleyarts.org
View some of our previous exhibitions:
Northants & Rutland Open Studios September 2025
Open Gardens / Capturing Nature 2024
Or select from the drop down Exhibitions Archive list in our menu to explore more.
