The Swansea Open is an annual art competition open to anyone who lives or works in the City & County of Swansea (SA1-SA9) and is a celebration of art and craft from artists and makers throughout the city. The selected works from the submissions will be shown in the Gallery’s atrium.
The selection is made by a different panel of invited selectors each year, thus encouraging diverse viewpoints annually. The exhibition seeks to reflect critical and cultural awareness, with a broad range of work by professional and non-professional artists. Three prize-winners are selected from the exhibited entries each year, with a first prize of £250, second prize of £150 and a third prize of £100. The winners will be announced on the day of the opening on Saturday 3 February.
In addition, the Friends of Glynn Vivian Art Gallery will also award a prize of £200 for a selected artwork.
This year's invited selectors are visual artist and Visual Arts Development Officer for Disability Arts Cymru, Alan Whitfield, and UK-based art historian, curator, writer and Lecturer in the History of Art at the University of Bristol, Dr Zehra Jumabhoy.
Glynn Vivian Curator, Karen MacKinnon, said:
“It’s always really lovely when our annual exhibition Swansea Open comes around. It offers such a great opportunity to celebrate the wealth of creativity the people of our city have to offer. We encourage entries from all; including professional and amateur artists, art students and makers from all over Swansea.
“Even if you are not entering your work this year, please spread the word and bring your friends and family to see this wonderful celebration of diverse and exciting artworks.”
The works will be on display at the Gallery until Sunday 19 May 2024, with many of the works for sale as part of the exhibition.