Submissions are now open for the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition 2025, a free-to-enter exhibition celebrating visual artists with a connection to Staffordshire, Cheshire, or Shropshire.
The exhibition welcomes a wide range of practices, from painting and sculpture to photography, performance and installation.
This open call also serves as the application pathway for the ACAVA Hosts: Three Counties Open Residency — a unique artist development opportunity based at ACAVA Spode Works in Stoke-on-Trent.
ACAVA residency opportunity
In 2025, one artist will be selected for the ACAVA residency directly from the Three Counties Open applicant pool. The residency includes:
- A dedicated studio space within ACAVA’s artist community at Spode Works
- A one-week public engagement outcome
- Time and support to develop new or ongoing work
There is no separate application process for the residency. All artists submitting to the exhibition can choose to be considered.
Who can apply?
Artists aged 16 and over who have a connection to Staffordshire, Cheshire, or Shropshire are eligible. This includes artists who have previously lived, studied, worked, or were born in one of the three counties.
Formal qualifications are not required. Submissions are welcome from emerging artists, collectives, and creatives at all stages of their careers.
Categories include:
- 2D work (painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, photography)
- 3D work (sculpture)
- Contemporary Art Practice (live/performance art)
- Installation
There is no set theme, and each applicant may submit one artwork (a series or diptych is acceptable as a single entry).
Key dates
- Submissions open: Monday 14 April 2025, 9am
- Deadline to apply: Monday 26 May 2025, 11.59pm
- Notifications: Between 30 June and 2 July 2025
- Exhibition: August 2025 (held at a new venue in Stoke-on-Trent)
How to apply
Complete the online submission form.
Support is available for applicants who need help with the digital process. Accessibility accommodations can be arranged by contacting the organisers.
The Three Counties Open 2025 provides a platform for artists to share their work, connect with audiences, and access meaningful career development opportunities through the ACAVA residency.
To learn more about submission requirements and accessibility support, visit the official submission page or contact open.art@keele.ac.uk.
