Open Call Exhibition
Young Artists
Sat 7 November – Sun 20 December
We’re inviting young artists aged 4–18 across Dorset to submit to our Open Call exhibition taking place this Autumn.
This exhibition will celebrate the ideas, stories, and questions that are important to young people today.
There is no theme - just an invitation to share what inspires you, what intrigues you, or simply what you love to create.
Submissions Open: Mon 13th July 2026
Submission Deadline: Sun 13th September 2026
About the Exhibition
Play is at the heart of Coda's creative practice.
For us, play means being curious. It means exploring ideas, experimenting with materials, taking creative risks, making discoveries and finding your own way of expressing yourself.
With that spirit in mind, we invite young artists aged 4–18 across Dorset to submit artwork about anything that matters to them.
There is no theme. Instead, we want to celebrate the ideas, stories, questions and interests that are important to young people today. Show us what inspires you, what fascinates you, what makes you wonder, what makes you feel connected, or simply what you love to create.
We can't wait to see the world through your eyes.
Selected artwork will be exhibited at Coda Music & Arts Trust alongside a celebration of young creativity from across Dorset.
Who Can Enter?
Children and young people aged 4–18 who live, learn or regularly participate in activities within Dorset.
Submissions are welcome from:
Individual young artists
Schools
Home-educated children and young people
Youth groups
Community organisations
Arts organisations
Families and carers
Key Dates
Submissions open: Mon 13th July
Submission deadline: Sun 13th September
Artists notified: Thurs 1st October
Exhibition open: Sat 7th November – Sun 20th December
Delivery of work: Thurs 15th October & Fri 16th October
Collection of work: Tues 22nd & Weds 23rd December
Submissions
Submissions to this Open Call are free.
Each young artist may submit one individual artwork.
In addition, young people may also be included in one collaborative artwork submitted by a school, youth group, community organisation or arts group.
Submission deadline: 13th September 2026
Delivery of work: 15th October & 16th October, 10am-4pm
Collection of work: 22nd & 23rd December, 10am-4pm
Please read the full submission details before submitting work with the below info via email to submissions@coda.org.uk.
Artist name
Age
School, group or organisation (optional)
Artwork title
Medium (materials used)
Dimensions
Artist statement (maximum 80 words)
One image of the artwork