Manchester Open 2026
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Sat 20 Jun-Sun 6 SepFrom 10:00Gallery
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 artwork submission portal is open from 7 Jan until 19 Feb 2026.
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.
Please see below FAQ's for the application / submission guidance.
If for any reason you cannot complete the online application form, or 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.
When is the deadline for submission?
The deadline entry through the Manchester Open 2026 application portal is 23:59 on Wed 11 Feb 2026.
Are there any age restrictions on who can submit?
To submit an entry yourself you must be aged 18 or over. Children under 18 years may enter, but their work must be submitted by a parent or guardian on their behalf.
What kind of work is included in the exhibition?
We will accept artworks in the following mediums:
· Painting
· Drawing / Print
· Photography
· Sculpture / Installation
· Digital / Moving Image
· Textiles
· Ceramics / Glass
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, the People’s Prize will return, giving our gallery visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork.
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 exhibiton is free but ticketed.
How do I attend the public preview?
Tickets for the public preview will go on sale in 2026 - all participants of the exhibition will be emailed when tickets are available for priority booking.
Submit your artwork via the Manchester Open submission portal
Submit here
Submissions Open - 7 Jan 2026
Submissions Close- 19 Feb 2026
Public preview:
Fri 19 Jun, 12:00 to 21:00
Exhibition dates:
20 Jun - 6 Sep 2026
Credits
