THE SEARCH for local contemporary art talent has begun with the launch of Rugby Open 20 exhibition.
Artists across the West Midlands have been invited to submit pieces for consideration, with the overall winner receiving £1,000 and the chance to stage their own exhibition in Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s Floor One Gallery.
This year’s judging panel includes Paul Coldwell, an artist whose work features in the collections of the Tate Gallery and New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and Louise Latter, curator at Birmingham Open Media (BOM).
Artists can submit paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, film and craftwork, and have the opportunity to sell pieces selected for the exhibition, which opens on Saturday November 28.
Sarah Holdaway, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s senior visual arts officer, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to postpone or cancel many of our plans to celebrate Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s 20th anniversary, but we were determined to go ahead with the Rugby Open to showcase the creativity of local artists and display works which have been created during lockdown.
“The increased isolation and anxiety we have experienced during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the visual arts in supporting our mental wellbeing, and we’re looking forward to receiving entries for this year’s exhibition.”
The exhibition incorporates the Rugby Youth Open 20, offering artists aged 14 to 19 the opportunity to submit works.
Rugby Borough Council’s growth and investment spokeswoman Coun Jill Simpson-Vince said: “Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has supported the borough’s artistic community for 20 years and the Open exhibition offers both established and emerging artists the opportunity to showcase and sell works in a professional gallery setting.
“The Youth Open also gives the next generation of artists the chance to exhibit work.
“This year has presented many challenges for all of us, but the Art Gallery and Museum has worked hard to find innovative ways to engage audiences.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, entries for this year’s Open must be submitted online. Submissions must be received by Sunday October 25. Visit www.ragm.co.uk/open20 for more information.
The Open 20 exhibition runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum from Saturday November 28 to Saturday January 23.
