Black Swan Arts Open Competition 2026

Black Swan Arts Open 2026 is now LIVE!
Celebrating 40 years of Black Swan Arts.

The Open is Black Swan Arts’ flagship exhibition, and we warmly invite submissions from artists and makers working across all disciplines and media.

Founded in 1986, Black Swan Arts has played a central role in Frome’s cultural life for four decades. To mark its 40th anniversary, this year’s Open will be shaped by a carefully chosen panel of guest selectors and judges drawn from across the contemporary arts, all independent of the organisation’s Board and Programming Group. This approach allows for a thoughtful, open-minded and rigorous selection process.

Bringing together artists at different stages of their careers from the region and beyond, the 2026 Open aims to be bigger, broader and more ambitious than ever.

Selected works will be exhibited in the Long Gallery at Black Swan Arts from Saturday 8th August to Sunday 27th September 2026, accompanied by an exciting programme of talks and events.

Further details and entry information can be found at blackswanarts.org.uk

Sam Heath, Lead Curator.

For questions regarding support for entries please email office@blackswanarts.org.uk