The Southwark Park Galleries Annual Open is London’s longest-running democratic exhibition, established in 1984, where artists at any career stage can submit artworks without selection criteria making it an inclusive and open platform for artists living or working in the UK. Our 40th anniversary Annual Open last year brought together 350 participating artists and over 500 works in drawing, painting, photography, print, sculpture and film to champion the diversity of artistic practice in the UK today.

From its inception, the ethos of the Annual Open has always been about accessible participation and creating opportunities for artists, so there is no judging panel for entering the exhibition. Instead, alumni from Southwark Park Galleries’ programme select a winner to receive a prize of £500 towards a solo exhibition in our Salter Space – our community focused gallery named in honour of Bermondsey hero Ada Salter (1866-1942), a social reformer, environmentalist and London’s first female mayor. We are pleased to announce this year’s judge as curator A—Z (Anne Duffau) , who presented our group exhibition You Make Me Feel at Lake Gallery in Spring 2025.

The preview reception will take place on Saturday 2 November 1 - 4pm and, as is tradition, we mark the close of the Annual Open and the winner announcement with mulled wine and carols on Saturday 6 December 1 - 4pm.

Online submissions deadline: Wednesday 22 October, midnight

Submission Fees //

1 artwork - £20 (concessions £15)2 artworks - £30 (concessions £25)

Southwark Park Galleries (registered charity name: Bermondsey Artists’ Group) is a not-for-profit company no. 3353857 and charity no. 1073851. The funds raised from fees and sales cover the costs of presenting the exhibition.