NEW/NOW/NEXT: Contemporary Works from Three Counties Creatives

Chancellor's Building A, Keele University Campus

06/02/26 - 19/04/26

This exhibition looks firmly to the future, following on from our previous show, which celebrated iconic artists from our region’s cultural past. It features new work by a selection of talented artists who were part of our 2025 Three Counties Open Art Exhibition — an annual open-entry exhibition showcasing artists from Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Cheshire across a wide range of media.

The exhibition will spotlight fresh creations from artists who have already been part of the Three Counties journey. It will feature new pieces created since the 2025 showing, celebrating the diversity of genres and the wealth of talent that defines our community.

It’s a chance to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and set the stage for the future of the Three Counties.

As we look ahead, 2026 marks an exciting milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition. To celebrate, we’re hosting a special showcase in the Chancellor’s Building at Keele Campus — a vibrant prelude to the big anniversary exhibition coming in summer 2026.

From painting and printmaking to sculpture, drawing, photography, and digital media, this special showcase celebrates the imagination, skill, and progress of artists from across the region as they embark on new artistic chapters.

Together, these pieces reveal the stories, concerns, and inspirations that shape artistic expression today — whether rooted in personal experience, local heritage, global issues, or the simple joy of creating.

As we mark this significant moment, we extend our gratitude to the artists, selectors, partners, and audiences who have supported the Three Counties Open over the years. Their enthusiasm and commitment have ensured that the exhibition continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire.

Here’s to 30 years of creativity — and to the many new beginnings still to come!

GALLERY OPEN HOURS: 
Monday - Friday, 9am - 8pm 
Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 5pm 

PARKING & HOW TO FIND US: Parking is free on campus after 5pm on a weekday and during the weekend. During a week day parking is limited on campus and restricted to P&D parking located outside the Student Union building during the daytime (until 5pm).  
Campus map here: https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/howtofindus/maps/keele-campus-map.pdf 
The gallery is located in Building 54 on this map, the car park is C3 during the evening and at weekends and and P&D during weekdays.  

ACCESS: Chancellor's Building is fully accessible. There are a number of disabled parking bays in close proximity on C3 car park. There is ramped and flat access from the car park. Chancellor's Building is busy teaching building on campus during a weekday; if you prefer a quieter time to visit we suggest after 5pm on a weekday or going along on the weekend. 

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