Following the success of this year’s Open Contemporary exhibition, SKarts and Stockport Art Gallery are now calling for UK artists to enter the Open Contemporary 2012.
Formed in January 2011 SKarts breathed new life into the exhibition after a four year break and succeeded in making it the most successful year ever. A new focus on high quality contemporary art in a diverse range of styles and media has boosted the event’s profile and attracted over 800 entries in 2011.
The 2012 exhibition will present some of the most engaging and thought provoking work currently being created in the UK.
The 2011 Open Contemporary was successful through the efforts of volunteers and generosity of sponsors. In addition to this the Arts Council recognised this important regional event with a generous grant. The overwhelming support received enabled SKarts to offer a set of attractive prizes and to host a programme of entertainment for the duration of the exhibition.
In 2012 the main prizes will be as follows: 1st prize - £500, 2nd prize - £400, 3rd prize - £300. There will be a separate award for young artists aged 25 and under - £100.
Artists are invited to submit a maximum of 2 works with a submission fee of £6 each. SKarts accept drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, mixed media, 2D digital art, photography and printmaking. An independent panel of leading art experts will select works of high artistic quality while wishing to achieve a diverse and appealing exhibition.
Submissions should be made at the Stockport Art Gallery on the following dates: Friday April 27, 2012 (1pm – 4pm) and Saturday April 28, 2012 (11am-4pm). The panel selecting works will include Pat Mountford, Ian Vines and Patrick Oates.
Entry forms can be downloaded online at www.skarts.org.uk. SKarts will also carry several online Q&A sessions - @SkartsGroup.
Visitor information: The exhibition will be open to the public during May 12 – June 24, 2012. Most of the work on display will be for sale. Stockport Art Gallery opening times: Tuesday- Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm. Open Bank Holidays except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Free entrance.
