Open Call — Photopia Photographic Exhibitions

Open call for submissions 2025

We invite you to apply to participate in our forthcoming Photopia 25 Photographic Exhibition in collaboration with the Hastings Arts Forum. 20 Marine Court, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0DX, UK

An International Photographic Exhibition, 23 July to 3 August

Submission is Free and open to everyone

Closes 23:59 Wednesday 14 May

Theme: Hidden Assets

In photography, the most captivating stories often lie beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

"Hidden Assets" invites photographers to explore our world's unseen, overlooked, and concealed elements. This theme challenges artists to reveal the beauty, significance, and visual narratives that frequently elude plain sight. Through their lenses, photographers are encouraged to discover the hidden treasures of everyday life, the subtle details that escape our notice, and the profound moments that linger in the shadows.

Whether through the intricate patterns of nature, the quiet resilience of expansive landscapes, or intimate portraiture that unveils the emotions of the human experience, Hidden Assets aims to highlight the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Our exhibition celebrates the art of seeing beyond the obvious, fostering a deeper connection with our surroundings and a greater appreciation for the hidden gems that enrich our lives.

By interpreting the theme of "Hidden Assets," photographers will showcase their creativity and ability to perceive and convey the unseen beauty that envelops us.

The Hidden Assets theme was intentionally selected to encourage photographers to submit their creative work in either Colour or B&W in their genre and style while visually consistent with the brief.

You may submit up to two images (per application) inspired by the theme of 'Hidden Assets' for our exhibition at Hastings Arts Forum from 23 July to 3 August 2025.

Submissions are free and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

Aims

Photopia Photographic Exhibitions, a not-for-profit organisation, supports UK and international artists of all abilities in exhibiting their work professionally; it places particular emphasis on promoting younger photographers.

Let's ensure that exhibiting is accessible to everyone, keep costs low while maximising benefits, and deliver a professional, quality exhibition …

1. Fixed price for printing, mounting and hanging.

There will be a set paper size of 508mm x 406mm (16 x 20 inches) and a range of Hahnemühle papers to choose from. Each work will be mounted on a 5mm eco foam board and attached to the walls with damage-free fixings.

You can utilise the generous dimensions of 508mm x 406mm (16 x 20 inches) to design your final image as creatively as you wish. It could be landscape, portrait, borderless, etc. The possibilities are endless, and we encourage you to accept the challenge.

Solaris Print www.solarisprint.co.uk has been selected to create and prepare the exhibition's final print work. Solaris's expertise, personalised creative support, and advice will ensure exceptional quality at a reasonable cost.

Solaris will receive artwork via WeTransfer and accept electronic payments, essential for enabling remote artists' participation.

The price of £45 includes complete preparation for hanging, mounting, and printing on a selection of Hahnemühle papers (as detailed below) in section one.

Photo Rag 308, Photo Rag Bright White, German Etching, Art Canvas Smooth, Photo Rag Baryta, Museum Etching.

2. Fixed Price - Gallery Exhibition Costs — features and benefits

Two fully funded bursaries are available for individuals under 25. One Photopia award is designated for international submissions, while the Hastings Arts Forum grants the second to support a Southeast photographer, encouraging the photographers of the future.

- Expertly curated and hung in salon style — professional and impactful

- Gallery labels with a QR Code taking viewers directly to your web or Instagram page — help in promoting sales and enhancing your practice

- Daily invigilation — everything is managed for you — from information to handling sales

- Marketing posters, flyer leaflets, and Instagram squares — to promote your exhibition and get your work recognised in the media.

- Press releases for newspapers and magazines — generating excitement, engagement, and driving attendance at the gallery.

- Inclusion on both the Photopia and Hastings Arts Forum websites — personal exposure

- "Open to All" Evening: Friday, July 25, 6 – 8 pm; free hospitality for exhibitors, visitors, and VIP guests — providing a celebratory space and networking opportunities

- Meet the Artist: Sunday, 3 August, 2 pm – 4 pm & then take-down/collection — group time for artists to engage and talk about their practice

- Hastings Arts Forum sales commission is 30% — helping to keep great gallery spaces open.

The price of £45 encompasses all the Gallery benefits mentioned in section two.

Once selected, you will pay Solaris Print and Photopia separately unless you have received a bursary for individuals under 25.

Photopia and the Hastings Arts Forum are excited to receive your application.

Click here for the application form