East Quay Open Exhibition 2026: Joy

East Quay, a gallery and arts venue in Watchet, Somerset, invites artists to submit work for its 2026 Open Exhibition themed around 'joy'. The exhibition is organised by Contains Art CIO and is open to artists at all career stages.

This year's open welcomes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, though sculptural pieces will be selected in limited numbers — so factor this into your decision when applying. Digital and video-based works are not eligible.

Each artist may submit one artwork per entry. All wall-based works must fit within 1m (h) x 1m (w) framed, with a maximum depth of 15cm from the surface. Three-dimensional works must be no larger than 1m x 1m x 1m. Paper-based works must be professionally framed before delivery; paintings and wall collages must be stretched or mounted to allow mirror plate attachment on arrival.

Artworks may be priced for sale, though this is not required. Contains Art CIO takes a 25% commission on any sales, with proceeds paid to artists after the exhibition closes.

Entry Fees

• Standard: £15
• Student / Under 25: £7.50

To enter, purchase your application via the ticketing link, after which you'll receive a link to the Google Form submission. You'll need a Google account to complete the form.

Three prizes of £1,000 each are on offer:

• Judges' Favourite — selected by the panel based on response to the theme
• Student / Under 25s Prize — for artists in full or part-time education or aged under 25
• Audience Favourite Award — voted for by exhibition visitors

The selection panel includes Matt Burrows (Programme Curator, Exeter Phoenix Gallery), Rocca Holly-Nambi (Director, b-Side arts organisation), and Morag Myerscough (Artist & Designer, London).

Key Dates

• Submissions open: 25 February 2026
• Submissions close: 31 May 2026
• Selection results notified: by 17 July 2026
• Artwork drop-off: 8 September 2026
• Exhibition opening: 19 September 2026
• Exhibition closes: 31 January 2027

For questions, contact Assistant Curator Millie Laing-Tate at millie@containsart.co.uk.