What do you require for my application?
You can submit up to 3 works per application, presented as images, video or audio. We also ask for a short written statement about the work. You will be asked to provide us with a written statement telling us how the opportunity would benefit your practice
If you are shortlisted, we will ask for further information including additional documentation, full versions of any moving image or sound works, and an extended work statement with more information about the work eg. its themes, processes or materials.
Full details about preparing material for your submission are here.
What works should I apply with?
All media, styles and approaches are considered, the exhibition is not selected thematically. There is no limit on the scale of your work, but please note that this is a group exhibition. Works should be completed rather than works in progress, and there is no criteria to when the work should have been made/completed.
We would also like to see performance or participatory works. We also actively encourage artists and practices that have not been historically represented in our programme to send us their work for consideration.
Unfortunately, we cannot enter into any discussion regarding advice about particularities of artwork. We would advise that you discuss with your peers or tutors about making the strongest and most impactful application possible.
Where does the submission fee go?
The fee directly funds our artist development programme which includes one-to-one mentoring for each selected artist, a fee for participating in the programme including travel and accommodation to the exhibition openings, access to a programme of workshops and networking opportunities and access support where required.
What is the selection process?
From the work submitted, a jury of three independent artists is invited to shortlist approximately 100 artists. The shortlisted artists are then asked to provide more information about their work and practice for stage two of the selection process. The final list of artists is selected by the jury for the exhibition. On average 25-30 artists will be selected.
Where are the exhibitions this year and how are they organised?
First exhibition opens in January - April 2026 at South London Gallery
Second exhibition opens in May - Autumn 2026 at MIMA
New Contemporaries' curatorial team works with our exhibition partners to curate each exhibition. Works will need to be available for collection and return in the UK and for the full length of the exhibition tour. Artists are usually not required for the installation, only by invitation from the organisers. We also work with our partners to present performance or participatory practices and an accompanying artist development and public programme.
