Baltic call out to region's artists, amateur and pro
Be part of Open Submission 2026
One of the most popular exhibitions at Baltic is the Open Submission, a chance which comes along every two years for artists across the region to show their work at Gateshead’s giant gallery.
It’s popular with artists – 1,400 of them submitted work in 2024 – and with visitors who enjoy the variety. Artworks by 104 artists featured in the exhibition last time.
The call has gone out once again for this year’s Baltic Open Submission, the third such event and supported once again by Fenwick, and artists have until June 16 to respond.
The Baltic team envisages an exhibition showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, video and other media by people who needn’t have been to art school or consider themselves professionals.
It’s an opportunity aimed at artists, makers, self-taught creatives and hobbyists based in the North East whose work might not necessarily have had any previous public exposure.
The selection panel this time comprises recent Baltic exhibitors Laura Lancaster and Rachel Lancaster, Will Hughes, Tees Valley Artist of the Year 2025, and Baltic assistant curators Rose McMurray and Rosie Coleman Collier.
A Youth Open Call is also inviting submissions by budding artists aged 11 to 17 who are asked to consider the theme of ‘Local’, focusing on local places, stories and viewpoints.
Final selections in this category will be made by the artist Terox, a member of Baltic’s Young Producers group who exhibited at the last Baltic Open and went on to produce and sell his work.
Some submissions in this category will be exhibited alongside those from the general open call and one young artist will receive the Fenwick Award, meaning their artwork will be displayed in the flagship store on Newcastle’s Northumberland Street.
Sarah Munro, Baltic director, said: “After a hugely positive response to Our Open Submission exhibition in 2024, we are thrilled that once again we will see a breadth of talent and creativity here in our region, from painting and sculpture to video work and beyond.
“It’s crucial that this initiative continues and, regardless of whether a work is created by an established artist or someone who is self-taught, there is the chance it will be seen publicly by thousands.
“This year we are expanding the opportunity with Baltic’s Youth Open Call, supported by Fenwick.
“Young people can submit artwork which will be reviewed by a group of young people close to their age.
“To see the young people’s artwork alongside the over 18s submissions in one curated exhibition will be joyful and invigorating.”
Leo Fenwick, strategic partnerships director at Fenwick, said: “Continuing our partnership with Baltic for a second year reflects Fenwick’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and emerging talent, something that has always been part of our brand DNA.
“Art and culture are integral to both our heritage and the communities we serve, and the Youth Open provides an inspiring platform for new artists to share their work.
“We’re proud to help spotlight the next generation of talent across the North East, with selected works also exhibited within our Newcastle store.”
Laura Lancaster said: “I’m looking forward to being on the selection panel for the Baltic Open Submission 2026 and to seeing the calibre of work being produced in the region.
“It’s a great gallery space and an amazing opportunity for the artists selected.”
Rachel Lancaster said she was also excited to be included on the selection panel.
“As an artist based in the North East I look forward to getting a glimpse of the work made by other artists across the region.”
Will Hughes commented: “Open calls are so important as they add visibility to people’s practice and allow you to build a network with your peers.
“With over 90,000 visitors to the exhibition last time, the diversity of practices on display allows multiple access points for visitors to the extraordinary range of artistic practice in our region.”
Submissions can be made via the Baltic website until 10am on June 16.
The Baltic Open Submission 2026 exhibition will open on September 19 and run until May next year.