Passage
PASSAGE - MARCH 2027
Our first exhibition of 2027 explores the theme of PASSAGE through a democratic open call, culminating in an exhibition at the light-filled BN9 Studio in Newhaven. For the first time, we're opening one of our open calls to artists internationally.
What makes it democratic? You purchase your entry and your work is automatically included in the exhibition. No judging or pre-selection means artists can exhibit together in a brilliant, community-building exhibition. All entrants need to complete a submission form so we can collect the information required for artwork labels and exhibition administration.
PASSAGE will be our third democratic exhibition in Newhaven. The exhibition will be open to the public from 6–28 March 2027, spanning four weekends to allow as many visitors as possible to enjoy your creativity.
How is the pricing worked out?
We are accepting both 2D and 3D work, with a simpler pricing structure (we do listen!): small works £20, medium works £40 and large works £80.
For each exhibition, we plan the layout and hanging approach to suit the theme and the space available. Once we've decided on the maximum number of works we'd like to show, we calculate the entry prices according to the space each work occupies. For PASSAGE, we're accepting a maximum of 300 submissions, with larger works falling into a higher price category.
Join us
NEWHAVEN
March 2027.
Our first international democratic open call…
A democratic exhibition in practice
Our previous democratic exhibitions have brought together artists working across different mediums and approaches. Take a look at some moments from our exhibitions Meander and Efflorescence at BN9 Studio in Newhaven to see how individual works come together in a shared exhibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
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PASSAGE is a democratic open call exhibition by Sussex Contemporary, taking place at BN9 Studio Newhaven during March 2027. It is open to International artists at any stage of their career, working in any medium.
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Unlike most open calls, there is no jury or selection panel for PASSAGE. You choose your size tier, pay the entry fee, and your work is included in the exhibition. The only limit is space, we have 300 places available, and once they are gone, entries close.
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Yes. Both amateur and professional artists are welcome.
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PASSAGE is the theme. We invite artists to explore what that phrase means to them, politically, personally, or poetically. There is no single right interpretation.
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BN9 Studio Newhaven, BN9 0ER. The exhibition runs from 6th - 28th March 2027, open to the public Thurs - Sat 11 am - 4 pm, Sundays 11am – 3pm
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A maximum of 300 submissions will be accepted. Entries will close when 300 submissions have been received or at 23:59 on 31 January 2027, whichever comes first.
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Yes, a printed catalogue will be produced for PASSAGE, featuring all works in the exhibition. Copies will be available at the venue.
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All 2D and 3D work is welcome, including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, photography, illustration, mixed media, and more.
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You select the tier that corresponds to the maximum dimensions of your artwork (including any frame, plinth, or mount). The tiers are:
Small: up to A4 £20
Medium: Up to A2 £40
Large: Up to A0 £80
If your work sits between two sizes, please select the larger tier.
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Each artist may submit a maximum of two entries. Please select the appropriate entry category according to the size of your work.
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Once you have purchased your entry, you will receive a confirmation email and then a further follow-up email which contains a link to our private artists page about the project.
On the artists page is a link to the submission form. Please submit one form per entry purchased.
The submission form is where you will upload your artwork image and provide details about your piece. This date will also be used to build the catalogue.
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A copy of the exhibition catalogue
Your work exhibited
2 x invitations to the private view
Your work included in the exhibition artwork list
A printed catalogue will be produced for this exhibition.
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Yes. All works in the exhibition are available to purchase. Sussex Contemporary takes a 30% commission on any sales. Sold work remains on display until the exhibition closes.
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Yes. Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting their work. Drop-off and collection dates will be communicated to all entrants. Work must be gallery-ready, framed where appropriate and correctly strung or prepared for display.
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PASSAGE is curated by Jo Myles, Creative Director of Sussex Contemporary.