Ilminster Arts Centre Photography Open Exhibition 2026
(6 October - 13 November 2026)
SUBMISSIONS WILL OPEN
29 JUNE 2026
Runners up proudly sponsored by Portcullis Lodge No 2038 and
The Ilminster Arts Centre is inviting all artists to submit work for our judged Photography Open Exhibition 2026.
Work in the following media will be considered for exhibiting: photography, in all forms including traditional, digital and cameraless photography. Images can be printed on paper, metal, textiles and in 3D forms. Photographs must have been taken within the last 24 months in the UK. NO AI images excepted.
An experienced panel of judges will carefully select works for inclusion in the exhibition. The Panel includes:
Sian Cann a fine art photographer who works primarily with creative instant photography and experimental cameraless processes, who practices as a Visually Impaired photographer.
Len Copeland an experienced editorial, corporate, event & portrait photographer, with a passion for dance, theatre and music festivals.
Rachel Moffett a lifelong photographer and Ilminster Arts Centre Representative, who is inspired by visits to art galleries and museums.
Ben Pulletz a nature photographer and young entrepreuneur who founded Feathers & Hills aged 17 to showcase his creativity and passion for the natural world.
Prize money will be awarded and awards will include one overall winner, and two runners up.
In addition, each winner will be invited to participate in our Prize Winners' Exhibition, to be held during January 2027.
How to enter
We have three submission options:
£30 Fee:Two pieces, not exhibited here previously, may be submitted for judging plus two mounted items for our browsers.
£20 Fee: One pieces, not exhibited here previously, may be submitted for judging plus one mounted item for our browsers.
£10 Fee: You must be a student or a recent graduate of a Bachelor Degree (within the last 3 years), Two pieces, not hung here previously, plus one mounted item for our browsers. You will also need to submit a document that verifies that you qualify for the criteria, e.g. student card showing your name and any relevant dates.
Closing Date for entries 6PM on 29th August 2026
Click the button above to enter and submit your photographs. You must complete the entry form, submit your photographs and payment by 6pm on Saturday 29th Aug. Late entries cannot be considered.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY:
Our terms and presentation of work documents should be downloaded and read carefully.
Editing Techniques accepted: Moderate adjustments: contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance, shadows/highlights, dodge & burn, noise reduction, lens corrections, cropping, multiple exposures and Black & White Conversion.
Not Allowed: AI, Watermarks, personal identification
Upload good quality photographs. Please do not include the frames, mounts or glass. Each image must not exceed 1MB and should have a resolution of 300 DPI. JPG or PDF images are preferred.
Please submit one photograph per piece to be judged. Each image file must be saved as your name, image title and dimensions in cm, e.g. j-smith-sunset-on-the-river-30x50cm
Please do not send us photographs of your items for the browsers.
Work submitted must not have been hung at the Arts Centre previously.
All work submitted must be for sale and commission will be charged at 30%. Selling prices should be inclusive of the 30% commission fee.
If your work is not selected for exhibiting, your fee is non-refundable. The Arts Centre is a self-funded charity and funds raised will be used to support the Arts Centre.
Payment
Please pay your submission fee by bank transfer by 6pm on Sunday 30th August:
Bank: Triodos Bank
Account Name: The Meeting House Arts Centre Ltd
Account number: 03276200
Sort-code: 16-58-10
If paying by BACS please include in the payment reference your full name and add OPEN, e.g. Jane Smith OPEN
Alternatively, you may pay by credit card over the phone or in person. Ring 01460 54973 and pay by credit card.
Judging
Round One: The first round of judging will be digital only, based on the photographic images you supply. If you are successful in round one you will be informed via email by Friday 18th September.
Round Two: In the second round, work will be judged in person. Please deliver physical work to the Ilminster Arts Centre on Saturday 3rd October, between 10am and 12pm.
Entrants will be informed by email if their work has not been selected to be exhibited on Monday 5th October. Artwork which has not been selected can be collected by arrangement.
Exhibition & Winners
The Exhibition will run from 6th October - 13th November (Tuesday - Saturday, 9.30am - 3pm). The exhibition will close at 2pm on the final day.
Winners will be announced at a Prize Giving Event on Wednesday 7th October, 5pm - 6:30pm. Everyone welcome!
The exhibition closes on 13th November at 2pm – unsold work must therefore be collected between 2pm - 4pm on Friday 13th November, or 10am - 12pm on Saturday 14th November.
Terms, Conditions and Presentation
Click the buttons below to download our terms and further information regarding presentation of your work.
Contact
Please email exhibitions@ilminsterarts.org.uk with any questions, or ring 01460 54973 on Tuesdays - Friday 9.30am -3.00pm.