The Sussex 2025

THE SUSSEX 2025

Every year, BN9 Arts Space hosts flagship events like The Sussex - the largest annual showcase of art by living Sussex artists. Our
exhibitions are free visit and welcome all ages, supporting
Sussex’s vibrant cultural community. Discover diverse mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, all set within a historic 1882 building with panoramic views across the Sussex coast.

The Sussex is our flagship annual exhibition of selected works. Judged by a panel of leading industry professionals, who are announced in the lead up to the exhibition submission deadline, the exhibition is an exciting and dynamic display of Sussex linked artists.

The Sussex 2025 is open for entries; we are looking for work inspired by the theme: L'art de la vie quotidienne: art of everyday life

The number of entries is capped at 2500, and once they have sold, there will be no last-minute entries. Entries to open call close on September 23rd 2025 at 23:59. Ensure you upload your artwork submission by the deadline on September 30th, 2025, at 23.59. We will send reminders and prompts.

Once you have submitted your entry (or entries) for The Sussex 2025, you will be emailed details for a private artist page on our website which will have key dates and submission forms for your artwork entries.

open call

 SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN!

  • The Sussex Contemporary OPEN CALL ‘THE SUSSEX 2025’ is open to SUSSEX-LINKED artists that:

    ·     were born in Sussex (UK), or

    ·      live/work in Sussex (UK),

    ·      or that were educated in Sussex (UK).

    The Sussex Contemporary is open to all artists at any stage of their career, whether professional or amateur.

  • We are looking for work inspired by the theme:

    L'art de la vie quotidienne: art of everyday life

    Artworks can be created in a variety of mediums, including but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, photography, ceramics, mixed media, and illustration.

    Artwork must be original work, created by you, the artist.

    Maximum weight limit of 20kg for work that is to be hung.

    For 3-D and sculptural works have a maximum weight limit of 100kg.

    Works can be framed or unframed but must be ready to be hung or presented to a gallery standard.

    All work must be available for hang/installation by 3rd November and sale until 23rd November 2025.

    • No substitutions of work will be allowed.

    • No sold works are allowed.

    • The art must remain in the venue for the duration of the exhibition and not be available for sale elsewhere.

  • Each submission costs £15

    Please note you can enter up to a maximum of three submissions, with one image per submission.

    The selection panel may choose more than one piece from each artist as they will select on the merit artwork alone and not the artist.

    • Sussex Contemporary Ltd handles all sales.

    • The commission will be levied at 30% for all artworks sold, by Sussex Contemporary Ltd.

    • Artists will be responsible for collecting their work at the end of the exhibition and arranging delivery directly with the buyer. We do this to encourage contact between artists and buyers.

    •  Artists will be paid for their sold art within seven days of the end of the exhibition by bank transfer, as long as artist payment details have been received.

    • Deadline for entries: 23rd September 2025 23.59 

    • Submission deadline: 30th September 2025 23:59

    • Artists notified of the selection panel hang: Tuesday 10th October 2025 22:00

    • Artists deliver work to the venue: Monday 3rd November 2025 10 am - 4 pm

    • Artists collect their work from the venue: Sunday 30th November 2025 4pm - 7pm

    EXHIBITION DATES

    ·     7th November 2025 - Private View

    ·     8/9/13/14/15/16/20/21/22/2327/2/29/30 November 2025 - Exhibition open to the public.

    *Please note that by submitting an entry, you agree to be bound to our terms and conditions and agree that images of your work may be reproduced for use in marketing.

    For full terms and conditions, please click the link below:

    https://www.thesussexcontemporary.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

  • THE ARTELIUM ARTEFACT PRIZE

    The opportunity to create label designs for a future Artefact wine

    A £2,500 commission for up to 3 related artworks

    An exhibition opportunity at Artelium Wine Estate

    A case of Artefact wine adorned with your designs

  • THE BUSINESS OF ART PRIZE

    A year on monthly one on one mentoring with our founder and creative director Jo Myles and a fully funded showcase at Artwave 2026.

  • THE SEAWHITE PRIZE

    The winning artist will receive £1000 of Seawhite vouchers

  • THE PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE

    A democratic prize where the visitors get to vote for their favourite artwork in the exhibition. The winning artist will receive £750