Whether a regular exhibitor or entering for the very first time, for work to be seen by thousands of people, or to sell, the Ferens Open caters for all.

Artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their work and showcase a broad range of artworks in all mediums. Young artists are also encouraged to apply as a Hallett & Future Ferens Young Artist Award of £200 available to win for artists aged 16 to 25 years.   

All UK artists aged 16 or above can enter and are eligible to submit up to three pieces of work for consideration between Tuesday 20 February and Tuesday 12 March using an online application form. Works will then be selected by a panel of specialist judges from the arts sector in April.

The chosen artworks will be on display from Friday 28 June until Sunday 22 September at the Ferens Art Gallery. Successful artists will be eligible to win cash prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Ferens, and BSB Architecture.
The Gallery is offering free 30-minute workshops during the submission period for artists needing support with: submitting artwork online, photographing artwork, and setting up an email address. Full details can be found here: www.ferensopen.co.uk

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: "The annual Open Exhibition, which has been running since 1967 at the Ferens Art Gallery, celebrates the creativity of artists locally and regionally. This is a great opportunity for local and UK based artists to have a go and submit their artwork for consideration.

“This is an important exhibition in Hull that showcases exceptional talent, especially in the local area. The diversity of the content, and of the artists’ who submit work for the Open is its hallmark.”

Claire Longrigg, Exhibitions Officer at Ferens Art Gallery, said: “The Open Exhibition draws thousands of visitors each year and is a major highlight of the gallery’s exhibition programme.  We are very excited and looking forward to seeing the broad range of artwork submissions that come in online from 20 February.

“Artists who may not be confident with either photographing their artwork or making a submission online can sign up for one of our free 30-minute workshops at the gallery.” 

It costs just £5 to submit each piece of work (only 3 artworks maximum per artist) and the work must have been created within the last 18 months. All artists will be notified of the selector’s decision by email, and if successful will be asked to deliver the artwork to the gallery from Thursday 6 June – Wednesday 12 June 2024.

For full terms and conditions and more information on submitting your artwork, see: www.ferensopen.co.uk

This exhibition is sponsored by the Friends of the Ferens and BSB Architecture.

Young artists aged 15 and under will also have the opportunity to have their work displayed in the gallery in the Young Artist Open Exhibition which will also be on from Friday 28 June until Sunday 22 September. Full details can be found at: www.FerensArtGallery.co.uk

Notes to editor

Follow us on Twitter @HullFerens #FerensOpen

Instagram - @ferensartgallery

Facebook - Facebook.com/Ferensartgallery

Prizes:

Friends of the Ferens award

Awards of £350 (first prize), £250 (second prize) and £200 (third prize) go to winning entries selected by the Friends of the Ferens.

Hallett & Future Ferens Young Artist Award

Young artists age 16 to 25 are eligible for this prize. An award of £200 will go to an artist selected by BSB Architecture and the Future Ferens. Prize money has been kindly donated by BSB Architecture.

Chair’s Award – Hull Culture & Leisure

An award of £100 goes to the winning entry selected by Hull Culture and Leisure Chair Alison Collinson.

People’s Vote

An award of £100 will go to a winning entry selected by the public.

Need Help Submitting an Artwork?

Book your free place on one of our Open Exhibition workshops taking place at Ferens Art Gallery. These simple 30-minute sessions are designed for artists not familiar with using a computer, the internet, email or photographing their artwork. Staff will guide artists through the process of submitting an artwork online. 

Sunday 25 February 2024       30 minute slots between 11.30am and 3pm

Sunday 3 March 2024             30 minute slots between 11.30am and 3pm

Thursday 7 March 2024          30 minute slots between 10.30am and 3.30pm

Saturday 9 March 2024          30 Minute slots between 10.30am and 3.30pm

Sunday 10 March 2024           30 Minute slots between 11.30am and 3pm

To reserve a 30-minute slot on one of the above workshops please call 01482 614290 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Places are limited.

Ferens Art Gallery

Ferens Art Gallery has a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by European Old Masters, portraiture, marine painting, and modern and contemporary British art. Highlights include masterpieces by Lorenzetti, Frans Hals, Antonio Canaletto, Frederic Lord Leighton, Stanley Spencer, Helen Chadwick and Gillian Wearing.

Gifted to the city by local philanthropist Thomas Robinson Ferens in 1927, the gallery and its collection is a jewel in Hull’s civic crown.

With a regular programme of changing exhibitions and events, there’s always something new to explore.

Admission to the Ferens Art Gallery is free.

For more information visit www.hcandl.co.uk/ferens.

Ferens Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Square, Hull HU1 3RA

Opening times: Monday – Saturday 10am - 4:30pm Sunday 11am - 4pm