Exhibition

The Harris Open 2026

21 February - 3 May 2026
Free to all

The popular open submission exhibition returns, inviting Preston-based artists to showcase their work.

After a five-year break, The Harris Open Exhibition is back! Celebrating creativity, community, and local talent, this beloved showcase is open to artists of all ages and abilities across Preston.

We accept all entries (unless offensive or inappropriate), making the exhibition a true reflection of Preston’s diverse creativity. Entry forms are available from Monday, 19 January 2026 and it is free. The exhibition will now be open to all ages and abilities living, studying or working in the Preston City Council area or within a 5 mile radius of The Harris.

Each artist may submit one artwork in any medium or style including drawing, painting, print, photography, sculpture, digital art, film, sound, fashion, illustration, experimental practice, traditional forms, sketchbooks, zines, and works in progress.

Highlights For The 2026 Edition:

  • The Harris is pleased to welcome group entries in this year’s exhibition. Confirmed submissions already include projects from Preston-based community groups such as The Foxton Centre, Places for People, and Wot Wud U Do.

  • Throughout the exhibition, visitors can attend a range of free activities, including artist-led workshops, celebrations for International Women’s Day, an exhibiting-artist networking event, and the People’s Choice Award celebration. Further programme details will be announced in early 2026.

  • Artists can take advantage of new selling opportunities, including a pop-up shop inside the exhibition gallery which can be used to sell entries, prints, apparel, and jewellery.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

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IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library

Market Square, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2PP
01772 905421

Free to all

Opening times

  • Monday: 9am - 5pm

  • Tuesday: 9am - 5pm

  • Wednesday: 9am - 5pm

  • Thursday: 9am - 9pm

  • Friday: 9am - 5pm

  • Saturday: 9am - 5pm

  • Sunday: 11am - 4pm

Visitor information