EAST QUAY OPEN 2024: OPEN ABOUT IDENTITY
‍Saturday 25 May – Monday 2 September 2024

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting the first East Quay Open in Watchet, in Summer 2024.

We have invited artists from Somerset and further afield to submit artworks which explore and reflect on the theme of identity. For our first Open, we accepted submissions from artists making two-dimensional work only, and were thrilled to receive submissions from 180 artists, with a total of 320 artworks sent in for review.

Identity & belonging is one of our core themes for programming over the coming year. We asked submitting artists to consider: What does identity mean to you? What makes us who we are as individuals and/or collectively, both within ourselves and in the context of our environment? What grounds us as human beings and what is it that informs our sense of self and/otherness? Where does our sense of cultural and creative identity come from and how does this shift and morph over time? How can we reflect on the many different ways in which identity is created, challenged, and reflected?

This year's independent panel of adjudicators is made up of Alice Workman, Amahra Spence and Simon Morrissey, whose collective knowledge and experience is threaded through with an understanding of how art reflects who we are and has the power to bring about change. ⁠Together, the panel chose the final selection of artworks based on the theme, for exhibition in Gallery 1. There are also a range of prizes available, which will be awarded to the chosen artists, as follows: the Judges Favourite; the Student/Under25s Prize; the Somerset Submission Prize, and the Audience Favourite Award, the latter of which will be voted for by visitors throughout the course of the show.

To run alongside the Open, we are excited to be showing Jake Elwes’ multi-channel video installation in Gallery 2, titled: The Zizi Show - A Deepfake Drag Cabaret.

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
‍- For our first Open exhibition, we are accepting applications from artists making two-dimensional work. Please note: we are not accepting three-dimensional/sculptural or digital/video-based works for this Open.
- Artists may submit a maximum of two artworks, along with the following work details: Title, medium, year created, dimensions in centimetres (height x width x depth) and price (if work/s are for sale).
- All works should be wall-based and not exceed 2 metres (h) x 2 metres (w), with a maximum depth allowance of 15cm from the work’s surface.
- Prior to delivery, all paper-based works, such as drawings and prints should be professionally framed by a framer. Paintings and wall collages should be stretched/mounted to allow for fixings to be attached upon delivery of the work to East Quay. Please do not attach fixings in advance.
- Artists must cover all delivery costs to and from East Quay. East Quay is not responsible for the delivery or return of any artwork/s.
- Artworks can be for sale; however this is not a requirement. Contains Art CIO will take a 25% commission for any works sold. For all sales of artworks, the purchaser will be required to cover any further shipping costs.
- All sales funds will be disseminated to the artist upon closure of the exhibition.

SELECTION PROCESS:
‍We are delighted to announce that this year's independent panel of adjudicators will be made up of Alice Workman, Amahra Spence and Simon Morrissey, whose collective knowledge and experience is threaded through with an understanding of how art reflects who we are and has the power to bring about change. ⁠

Please note, by submitting an application, there is no guarantee that your artwork/s will be selected.

All applicants for the East Quay Open will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by 5pm, Friday 29 March 2024.

PRIZES:
- Judges’ Favourite - £1000
The winner of this prize will be chosen by our selection panel, based on their response to the theme of identity.
- Student/Under 25s Prize - £1000
This prize is for artists in full or part-time education and/or aged under 25, and will be chosen by the selection panel.
- Somerset Submission Prize - £1000
This prize is for artists living and making art in Somerset and will be chosen by our selection panel.
- Audience Favourite Award - £1000
The winner of this prize will be voted for by visitors during the course of the show.

KEY DATES:
‍- Online Submission Opens
Monday 15 January 2024
- Online Submission Closes
Extended to midnight, Sunday 3 March 2024
- Panel Review
Monday 18 March 2024
- Selection Results  
Friday 29 March 2024
- Handing-in day/delivery deadline at East Quay
Between 10am – 5pm, on Monday 13 and/or Tuesday 14 May 2024
- Exhibition Opening Event
6pm, Saturday 25 May 2024
- Prize Winners Announcement
The Judge's Favourite Prize, the Student/Under 25s Prize and the Somerset Prize will be announced during the exhibition Opening Event on Saturday 26 May 2024. The Audience Favourite Award will be announced upon closure of the exhibition in September 2024.
- Exhibition Closes
2 September 2024
- Collection process
To be confirmed. Please stay tuned for updates.