Shape Open

The Shape Open is our annual exhibition of artwork by disabled and non-disabled artists created in response to a disability-centred theme. Held in high-profile, artist-led spaces such as Bow Arts' Nunnery Gallery, Portobello Gallery, Yinka Shonibare's Guest Projects and our own pop-up galleries, The Open provides a space where disabled and non-disabled artists can discuss and exchange views and ideas about issues and topics which are often sidelined within artistic debate.

Any artist can apply to our yearly call for submissions and exhibitors are selected by a panel of arts industry judges, including Shape Open patron Yinka Shonibare MBE. This creates an opportunity for emerging and mid-career artists to raise their profile while allowing established artists taking part to show their work alongside new and fresh perspectives that they may not ordinarily encounter.

Submissions to the 2017/18 Shape Open will be announced this summer. Do sign up to our newsletter if you haven't already, to be the first to know about it.  All enquiries should go to: exhibitions@shapearts.org.uk

Banner image (crop of): Strangers by Carly Jayne (2014 Shape Open Prize Winner)