Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition 2026

Supported by Somerset Arts Works

Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to announce that entries for the highly anticipated Open Exhibition 2026 will officially open on 16th March. This annual judged exhibition invites artists from across the region to submit their work for the chance to be showcased in one of Somerset’s leading artistic events.

Artists working in a variety of media are encouraged to apply, including paintings, original prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and digital collage (please note that photography will not be considered).

An experienced panel of judges, including Somerset Arts Works, artist Julia McKenzie, Bryony Tidball, Ilminster Arts Centre Manager, and Mike Lanigan, 3D expert and Art Centre Representative, will carefully select works for inclusion in the exhibition.

The competition boasts a total prize fund of £750, with awards for:

·       Overall Winner

·       Two Runners-Up

·       Highly commended

·       Emerging Artist Prize (for students and recent Bachelor Degree graduates)

·       Visitors' Choice Award – voted for by exhibition visitors throughout the month-long exhibition

In addition to prize money, all award winners will be invited to participate in the Prize Winners’ Exhibition, set to take place in January 2027.

The Ilminster Open Exhibition 2026 is supported by Somerset Art Works, a countywide agency dedicated to developing the visual arts.

The exhibition will run from 23rd June to 31st July 2026, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. The Prize Giving Event will take place on Wednesday, 24th June, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, where winners will be announced. Everyone is welcome to attend!