Birmingham Open competition returns to support emerging artists

Colmore Life has announced the return of the Birmingham Open competition, the popular open-call competition and exhibition supporting emerging artists.

Launching for the third year running in partnership with International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) and Central BID, Birmingham Open 26 continues its mission to champion creative talent inspired by the city.

Following a successful 2025 edition that saw over 80 emerging artists exhibited, this year’s competition theme of Birmingham reflects the new partnership with IDOB, placing the city’s stories, people, culture and global connections at the heart of the exhibition.

Emerging artists are encouraged to respond to the theme of Birmingham in whatever way feels most meaningful to them.

Inspiration can be drawn from the city’s well-known friendliness and personality to its built environment, sense of place and ever-evolving identity.

In partnership with International Day of Birmingham, artists can also take inspiration from some of the 18 Birminghams across North America visited by Joe Lycett in the 2025 TV series, ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’.

Stretching from Canada’s Saskatchewan province, down to the East Coast of the US, through the Midwest and into the Deep South, their history and their collective Brummie cultural commonalities offer a rich starting point for personal interpretation.

Inspiration might include the symbols of Brum, everyday lived experiences, hidden stories or global connections, but ultimately, the organisers welcome any response that reflects a personal, thoughtful or imaginative take on Birmingham today.

Exhibition curator Ruth Millington, said: “Birmingham Open has become a vital platform for emerging artists responding to the city.

“Each year we see more ambition, confidence and diversity in the work, and the partnership with IDOB brings an exciting new international dimension to the 2026 exhibition.”

Joe Lycett said: “Birmingham has an extraordinary and vibrant art scene, and also happens to be the best city in the world, so I fully endorse this celebration of the city and its artists.”

The competition is now open for entries until Friday 19 June 2026.

Prizes for Birmingham Open 26 include a £2,000 cash prize for the Overall Winner, £1,000 for Highly Commended Award and £1,000 People’s Choice Award, all accompanied by professional portfolio reviews for the three winning artists.

A new award introduced for the 2025 competition offers a further exhibition for last year’s winners.

EMERGENCE  is currently live at BCU School of Art on Margaret Street until 23 April. Artists are encouraged to visit the free exhibition in April for competition inspiration.

The 2026 exhibition will be displayed across key city centre sites, with the top 10 shortlisted artworks showcased at Snow Hill Square, and long-listed works exhibited at Victoria Square, with thanks to support from Central BID Birmingham.

From the top 10, members of the public will be invited to vote for their favourite work by scanning a QR code on site, with the People’s Choice Award winner announced after the exhibition has closed.

An independent judging panel will convene in early July, with the exhibitions opening to the public from 7–24 September, celebrating the final day on International Day of Birmingham on 24 September.