The Salopian Open 2026
Entries open until 31 October
The Salopian Open returns to The Gateway Gallery this November, bringing together a selection of artworks by artists from Shropshire and further afield. Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or have an established practice, it’s an opportunity to share your work with new audiences and be part of a group exhibition in Shrewsbury.
You don’t need to live in Shropshire to take part. Artists can submit up to three artworks for a single £20 entry fee, with selected pieces exhibited from 13 November 2026 until mid-January 2027.
The Gateway Gallery is run by SADAA Arts (Shrewsbury and District Arts Association), a registered charity supporting arts and creativity in the local community. The Salopian Open helps raise funds for this work, with entry fees contributing to keeping the gallery open and supporting its exhibition programme.
Enter your work
Entry costs £20 for up to three artworks. You can submit one, two or three pieces for the same fee.
Entry fees help keep The Gateway Gallery open and support its exhibition programme. Each artwork is considered individually, and submission does not guarantee selection.
Before entering, please make sure:
Each artwork measures no more than 60 × 60 cm.
Each artwork has a sale price of £1,000 or less.
You have a clear photograph of each piece.
You can arrange delivery in November and collection in January if selected.
We’ll also ask for a short artist’s statement of up to 200 words. One statement covers all your submitted work.
How to enter
Complete your artist and artwork details through our shop, then pay the £20 entry fee. Your confirmation email will include a link to upload your artwork photographs.
Please complete both steps by 31 October 2026.
We’ll contact you by email with the selection outcome and provide delivery arrangements for selected work.
Already paid?
Sales
If your work sells during the exhibition, The Gateway Gallery takes a 30% commission, with the remaining 70% going to you. This supports the gallery and helps cover the costs of running exhibitions.
Please take the commission into account when setting your selling price.
A look back at 2025
Last year’s Salopian Open brought together more than 90 artworks, spanning a wide range of materials, styles and approaches.
Oswestry painter Rob Lawton received the Local Talent Award and the overall prize of a solo exhibition at The Gateway Gallery. Zoe Keeton won the Rising Star Award for Self-portrait with Green Glove, while Stephen Laurie received the Innovation Award for his handbuilt vessel Green Crosses.
The 2025 prizewinners were chosen by a panel of four judges: Professor Andrew Brewerton, ceramicist Katharine Morling, artist and educator Faye Lorente Shyllon, and Michelle Lloyd, founder of United Art Space and author of Your Art Matters.
Last years’ Salopian Open judges
