If you are a practising, emerging or amateur artist – there are opportunities at Nottingham Museums and Galleries to display your work!

Nottingham Castle:

•The Nottingham Castle Annual Open

Part of a long tradition, the annual Open has been held at the Castle for almost 180 years. Artists working in any media from the East Midlands region are invited to submit work for selection. The show is open to the public for around three weeks and there is the chance to win some great prizes, including a solo exhibition at the Castle. The show is a great opportunity to celebrate the work of local artists, whilst offering a chance for people to start (or build up) their own art collection.

Nottingham Castle Annual Open 2008 in partnership with the New Art Exchange
11 October – 2 November 2008

At Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery

Information for artists and makers Aimed at emerging and established artists and makers based in the East Midlands working in all media, this exciting exhibition is a celebration of the creativity being practised in Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Rutland. Attracting up to 10,000 visitors each year, the Nottingham Open is an important platform for artists looking to promote and sell their work. Held during the Autumn / Winter, a call for applicants is made each Summer with details published in the Museum's & Galleries What's On Guide as well as external publications such as A-N.

Nottingham Castle is keen to ensure that all applicants feel their work has received a fair and informed judgment. We therefore invite two art professionals from around the UK to act as an independent selection panel.

The panels remit is to select a body of work that represents diversity among the region's creative practitioners, making for a fresh and unique exhibition each year. This year’s selectors will be artist Sutapa Biswas and Joanne Bushnell, Director of Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth.

Prize List

- Solo exhibition at Nottingham Castle

- £1,250 cash prize (work in any medium)

-Solo exhibition at the New Art Exchange

-£2,000 New Art Exchange cash prize (the winner of this prize will be selected by the New Art Exchange to reflect the aims of their organisation; the prize may be divided between more than one artist)

Restrictions

1.Work completed in 2008 only please

2.Max. dimensions: 2D 1 metre x 1 metre (incl. frame)

                                   3D 1 metre² x 2.5 metres height

3.Any submissions which could be considered a conservation or health and safety risk will not be accepted; the Nottingham Castle Site Manager will make the final decision in the event of dispute.

Information for Buyers

The Open exhibition is a popular fixture in the diaries of both serious collectors and first-time buyers. With up to 100 works of art and craft on display, the Open provides a definitive overview of contemporary practice in the region. Emerging talent feature alongside established names, making this the perfect opportunity to invest in future stars. If buying art seems daunting or a burden on your purse strings, you'll be pleased to learn that purchasing work through the Castle makes art buying simple. We are pleased to offer interest free credit for works individually or collectively priced between £100 and £2,000. This is done through 'Own Art', a scheme operated by Arts Council England. From painting to photography, glass to jewellery, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Usual museum admission charges apply.

Nottingham Castle Annual Open 2008: Call for Submissions

Are you an artist or maker living in the East Midlands? Then why not apply for the forthcoming Annual Open Art Exhibition due to be held at Nottingham Castle from 11 October to 2 November 2008.

Application forms are available from early July by sending an A5 SAE to:

Nottingham Castle Annual Open
Nottingham Castle
Castle Place
Nottingham
NG1 6EL

Or by email catherined@ncmg.org.uk for a PDF version.

Forms can also be collected in person from the Castle Gatehouse and Castle Shop.

Deadline for submissions is Friday 5 September.

Images:
Top - Vintage Rave by Massey & Rogers
Bottom - Gate by Rosalie Wiesner