Call for Entries: Open Show at Hastings Contemporary
Hastings Contemporary and Sussex Contemporary are proud to announce the distinguished judging panel for The Open: Odyssey, a major new biennial open exhibition launching in 2026.
The panel brings together leading voices from the worlds of art, culture, broadcasting and environmental advocacy: wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham; Elena Crippa, curtaor at the Courtauld Gallery; Eva Langret, artistic director at Frieze London; YBA artists Fiona Banner; environmentalist Isabel Rock; Kathleen Soriano, director of Hastings Contemporary; and comedian and presenter, Zoe Lyons.
This milestone collaboration will result in a gallery-wide exhibition at Hastings Contemporary, opening on 28 March 2026, and will celebrate the creative force of Sussex. Welcoming submissions from both emerging and established artists, the Open aims to showcase the breadth, diversity and innovation of contemporary art being made across the region.
Submissions are now open and artists are invited to submit work responding to the theme of Odyssey – an exploration of journeys shaped by tides, time and transformation. Hastings offers an ideal setting for narratives inspired by maritime history, personal voyages, and the elemental forces that shape coastal life.
Director Kathleen Soriano says: “Artists have always been able to communicate in ways that allow us to ‘see’ things differently and I am confident that our Open exhibitors will honour local stories and connect to global conversations.”
Comedian Zoe Lyons adds: “I adore living in Sussex, not least because this part of the world is full of the most gloriously talented people. Then there is our wonderfully iconic coastline, and I am so excited to be part of the jury for the first Hastings Contemporary Open Exhibition.”
The Open: Odyssey will feature work by over 100 artists. It will also be an opportunity for visitors to support and collect the work of artists from the region, with all works available to purchase.
Further Information: hastingscontemporary.org/events/odyssey
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