Submission guidelines

How to make a submission

To register, you can either:

Entries can be submitted by anybody living, working or studying in Stockport or the surrounding areas (including Manchester, Cheshire and Glossop).

Artwork must be handed in to Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery during following dates and times:

  • Thursday 11 June 2026 from 1pm to 4:30pm
  • Friday 12 June 2026 from 1pm to 4:30pm
  • Saturday 13 June 2026 from 11am to 3pm
  • Sunday 14 June 2026 from 11am to 3pm

We'll accept work on a first come, first served basis as space allows.

Please submit one artwork you’ve created which you feel represents your best work. This artwork must not have been previously exhibited at the gallery.

The maximum size for all artworks is 1 metre x 1 metre (1000mm x 1000mm) including frame, in any direction.

All two-dimensional (2D) artworks must have mirror plates attached to 2 opposite sides of
the frame centre left and right. Clip and metal frames will not be accepted.

All three-dimensional (3D) pieces and sculptures must stand safely; stable mountings must be provided by the artist.

If you're submitting a video artwork, please tell us more about your artwork by emailing stockport.artgallery@stockport.gov.uk, and put 'Video Submission' as the subject line.

Artwork including elements generated using AI text-to-image technology must be declared on the submission form. It's your responsibility to make sure that no deliberate copyright infringement occurs when creating the images within your submitted artwork.

The gallery has the right to refuse the submission of any artwork considered as:

  • not presented in a condition suitable for installation (including lack of suitable frame or mirror plates)
  • unfinished, including wet paint
  • unstable 3D pieces

While we welcome and celebrate a wide range of artistic expression, the gallery reserves the right to decline works that:

  • may cause serious or widespread offence
  • are likely to raise significant public concern

Artists are asked to be mindful of the gallery’s setting within a War Memorial and to respect the spirit and purpose of the building.

In recognition of this unique context, we ask that submissions do not include overtly political content. This is to ensure the exhibition remains inclusive, respectful, and welcoming to all visitors.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for contributing to a thoughtful and engaging exhibition.

Stockport Council retains the right to refuse to display work that it judges to contravene these guidelines without further explanation.

Please note all packaging and wrappings must be removed and taken away as the gallery does not have storage capacity.

Submission fee

There is no charge for entering the Stockport Open Exhibition.

Labelling

Artists should add the following details to the back of their artwork in block capital letters:

  • title of artwork
  • medium used (for example: pencil on paper, oil on board, mixed media)
  • artist name
  • key stage if a child, or age if between aged 17 to 25
  • price or NFS (Not For Sale)

Display

Artwork will be hung in the Upper Gallery, East and West Galleries and the Artlink and will be displayed in the style of a ‘salon hang’, which means artworks will be hung in close proximity to each other.

Children’s and adults' artwork will be hung together.

Three-dimensional artworks may be presented on group plinths, to reduce the number of obstructions and ensure wheelchair access.

There will be a limited number of display cases available to exhibit smaller three-dimensional works, such as jewellery.

Video artworks will be shown on one main screen, not individual screens, due to space limitations.

Prizes

Visitors to the gallery will be voting for their favourite artworks in the People’s Choice Award.

There will be prizes in both the Adult and Children categories including the Michael Hartley-Rose Young Person’s Award. This award is presented by Stockport Art Guild to a Young Artist aged between 17 and 25. Michael Hartley-Rose was a vital member of Stockport Art Guild and it is the wish of his family to promote young artists and Stockport Art Guild in his memory.

All prizes and awards will be presented at the People’s Choice Award event at the gallery on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 3pm, by the Mayor of Stockport.

The winners will be asked to complete a consent form and asked to agree to the publication of their name in Stockport Council marketing, and for their photographs to be taken and used in future promotions.

The prizes are non-transferable and there is no alternative to the prize offered. The People’s Choice Award decisions will be final and binding, and no discussion will be entered into.

Dates for your diary

Preview for artists and guests

Saturday 20 June 2026, 1pm to 4pm.

Exhibition dates

Sunday 21 June to Thursday 27 August 2026.

People’s Choice Awards

Saturday 15 August 2026, 2pm to 4pm. Prize giving at 3pm by the Mayor of Stockport.

Collecting your artwork at the end of the exhibition

We request that your artwork is collected as soon as possible during opening hours:

  • Thursday and Friday, 1pm to 5pm
  • Saturday, 10am to 5pm
  • Sunday, 11am to 4pm

Gallery staff have the right to refuse to return unsold artwork unless provided with legitimate proof of ownership, i.e. receipt of submission. Please do not be offended if you are asked for personal ID if you do not have your receipt with you on collection of your artwork.

Artists unable to collect their work at the given dates and times should contact the gallery team on 0161 474 4453 as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

Any uncollected artwork remaining at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery after Sunday 20 September 2026 will be disposed of by the gallery in any way it chooses.

Sales and commission

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery will be responsible for processing all sales of artworks. It's only possible for staff to provide this service during normal opening hours and at the private view.

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery will take a 40% commission on all sales.

The price provided on your submission form will be inclusive of the commission.

As an example of what money the artist can expect to receive:
If an artwork sells at a price of £100, Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery will take £40 which is 40% commission, so the artist will receive £60.

If an artwork sells, the artist is required to send an email to the art gallery giving their
bank details, in order to pay any money due.

Money owed to the artist will be sent within a reasonable period of the exhibition ending
and will be sent to each artist directly via BACS.

If your artwork is not for sale, please label your work NFS (Not For Sale).

All sold artworks will remain on display until the end of the exhibition.

Insuring your artwork

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery will not be insuring any artworks. All pieces of artwork are exhibited at the artist’s own risk. The artist is responsible for providing their own insurance for their artwork should they wish to do so. During this period, responsibility for care and safeguarding of artwork remains the responsibility of the artist.

Every care will be taken to ensure the safety of all artworks whilst in the care of Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery but the gallery cannot be held liable for any loss or damage to artwork or frames.

Social media

All artworks on display at the Stockport Open Exhibition may be photographed or captured on video throughout the duration of the exhibition. These images may be shared on social media, either by Stockport Council or visitors to the gallery via their personal channels.

Data protection

Your personal information will be collected and used for Stockport Open Exhibition administrative activities. You can find more information in our museums privacy notice.

If after the Stockport Open Exhibition you wish to have your contact details removed from our database, you can:

Due to the Data Protection Act 2018, Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery is unable to give out the contact details of anyone who buys your artwork.

Find information on getting here.

Contacting us

If you have any more questions about the Stockport Open Exhibition 2026, you can: