Manchester Open 2026
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Sat 20 Jun-Sun 6 SepFrom 10:00Gallery
A celebration of Greater Manchester's creative talent
HOME is delighted to announce that Manchester Open, the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent returns in 2026. Taking place every two years, Manchester Open exhibition is the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent. Between Sat 20 Jun and Sun 6 Sep 2026, the HOME Main gallery will be filled with hundreds of artworks, selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
Manchester Open exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs and first-time artists. Artists are invited to submit work in the categories; ceramics; digital/moving image; drawing; print; painting; photography; sculpture/installation; textiles; creating an exhibition rich in variety for visitors to explore.
Submissions for the Manchester Open 2026 are now closed.
Here's an overview of the next milestones for the Manchester Open, leading up to the start of the exhibition in June.
March: The panel will be selecting the artworks.
April: Artists will be told whether they have been successful or not.
May: Successful artwork to be dropped off at HOME.
June: Public preview takes place on 19 June and the exhibition will be open from 20 June until 6 Sep 2026.
Please see below FAQ's for submission guidance.
If for any reason you have any queries that are not answered below, please contact manchesteropen@homemcr.org
Manchester Open 2026 is supported by the Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Brian Mercer Trust, Granada Foundation, Manchester City Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will everything that’s submitted be shown in the exhibition?
No. Submissions will be reviewed by the Manchester Open selection panel who make the final selection of work. We will be presenting up to 450 works of art. The selection panel will be announced in Spring 2026.
Are there prizes or an overall winner?
We are delighted to once again be working with Castlefield Gallery on the selection of this year’s Manchester Open Awards. Three artists will be awarded with artist development packages managed by Castlefield Gallery and HOME. There will also be one HOME Award for an artist’s solo exhibition in the Granada Foundation Galleries focusing on developing new work. As always, our publicly-voted prize will return, giving our gallery visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork to win the Kate Vokes People's Choice Award.
When will the work be shown?
The shortlisted work is displayed in HOME main gallery from Sat 20 Jun - Sun 6 Sep 2026.
Entry to the exhibition is free but ticketed.
How do I attend the public preview?
Tickets for the public preview will be available in 2026 - all participants of the exhibition will be emailed when tickets are available for priority booking.
Manchester Open Terms and Conditions
To read the full terms and conditions for application and sale of your work at Manchester Open please visit our dedicted page.
Tap here to read the full terms and conditions
Manchester Open 2026 is supported by the Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Brian Mercer Trust, Granada Foundation, Manchester City Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Manchester Open Submissions are Closed
Public preview:
Fri 19 Jun, 12:00 to 21:00
Exhibition dates:
20 Jun - 6 Sep 2026
Find out more
