Call for entries: Celebrating 30 years of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition

Artists and photographers from Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire are being invited to submit their work for a landmark edition of a popular regional exhibition this summer.

The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition returns to Fenton Town Hall from Saturday, August 8th to Saturday, August 29th, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a showcase of creative talent from across the region.

The long-standing exhibition celebrates the creativity of local amateur and professional artists. Entry is free and is open to all artists who are based in or connected to Staffordshire, Cheshire or Shropshire.

The exhibition is organised by ArtsKeele at Keele University in partnership with ACAVA Spode Works, Appetite, Burslem School of Art Trust, Barewall Gallery, PiCL (Partners in Creative Learning), and Restoke.

This year's exhibition welcomes a range of mediums from painting to printmaking, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, moving image and installation-based works. People have until midnight on Monday, May 25th to submit entries.

Kerry Jones, from Arts Keele, said: "We're incredibly proud to be celebrating 30 years of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition. Over the past three decades, it has become a vibrant platform for creativity, bringing together artists of all backgrounds and giving them the opportunity to share their work with a wider audience.

"Thousands of people have taken part since it began. Some have gone on to build sustained creative careers; others have discovered the confidence that comes from having their work publicly recognised. Every submission, selected or not, is an act of creative courage.

"Marking this milestone year, we're especially excited to welcome a new wave of talent - and with free entry, there's never been a better time to get involved. Whether you’re an emerging artist or more established, we encourage everyone to take part and be part of this special anniversary celebration."

Selected artists will have the chance to win one of 11 prestigious awards, including: 

• George Mallalieu Emerging Artist Award (2026–2030): A new award for 2026, created in tribute to George Mallalieu. George was a charismatic figure on the local arts scene, a highly respected artist, writer and academic in Staffordshire and former judge of the exhibition. Prize £500; 

• Arthur Berry Prize: Sponsored by the New Vic Theatre Archive Fund, with a £500 prize. This award reflects on the legacy of Arthur Berry, whose work has left an indelible mark on the art world and the cultural heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, and celebrates artistic excellence; 

• The ACAVA Studios Artist Development Award: Sponsored by ACAVA Studios, the award aims to support and nurture artistic talent by providing an artist with the opportunity to undertake a three-month open studio residency at ACAVA Spode Works. The award includes a public engagement outcome for one week at the end of the residency, fostering community interaction and showcasing the artists' work; 

• Young Artist Award: This award, open to artists aged 21 and under, highlights exceptional artistic achievement and originality. The winner will receive a £100 prize and unique trophy, sponsored by PiCL (Partners in Creative Learning).    

All submitted works must have been created within the last two years and must not have been previously shown at the exhibition.

For more information, visit https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/artskeele/threecountiesopenart2026/  

Contact open.art@keele.ac.uk for queries.