Entry is now open and closes 15th August 2023.
Calderdale Open is the local showcase for professional and amateur artists. All comers from the region and beyond are invited to submit their artwork, the best of which will be displayed for six months in the Calderdale Open Art Exhibition 2023 at Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse.
To mark Calderdale’s Year of Culture in 2024, the theme of this year’s competition is the landscape, people, history, and heritage of Calderdale. Works can be in any 2D format, such as paintings, drawings, or photography.
This year the panel of judges includes Paul Bartram, owner of the Yorkshire Gallery, Dr Jo Neil, Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Fine Art at Leeds Arts University and artist, curator, and writer Alice Bradshaw.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three works as selected by the panel of judges. These will be provided by the sponsors, who this year are Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant, Abacus Picture Framing, and Harveys of Halifax Department Store. There will also be an additional £100 People’s Prize to the favourite entrant, as voted for by visitors to the exhibition.
In a change from previous years, entries can now only be submitted digitally through the Calderdale Museums website, where you will also find the terms and conditions of entry.
The entry portal is now live and will be closing on 15th August, with the successful works going on display on 30th September.
The Open is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the artistic talent of the area, and Calderdale Museums hopes that many people will be inspired to enter this year’s competition.