Fenwick partners with Baltic for major open-call exhibition

North East-based department store Fenwick is partnering with Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead to present the gallery’s second ever open-submission exhibition.

People in the North East are being invited to submit artwork for Baltic Open Submission which is due to go on show in March 2024.

The exhibition will showcase work by artists and makers who are based in North East England, including self-taught creatives and hobbyists. Several works by established artists will also feature, including submissions by painter Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves), sculptor Holly Hendry and photographer Phyllis Christopher.

This will be the second Open Submission exhibition at Baltic and works will be selected by a panel including Niomi Fairweather, Baltic Curator and Rose McMurray, Baltic Curatorial Assistant; North East musician and lead singer with Maxïmo Park, Paul Smith; and performance, installation and film artist, Jasmina Cibic.

The exhibition, in Baltic’s Ground Floor gallery, will present up to 100 works drawn from the submissions alongside work by several established artists.

Sarah Munro MBE, Baltic director, explained: “Our Open Submission exhibitions present artworks selected by the panel, regardless of whether that work has been created by an established artist or someone who is self-taught and who might never have shown their work publicly before.

“The response to our very first open-call in 2020 was overwhelming and showed how much talent we have here in the region. And now we’re opening up another opportunity for people to submit their artwork – in any medium from painting and ceramics to sound and video - to be a part of what I hope will be a truly joyful and special exhibition.”

This year, the exhibition is being presented in association with Fenwick, whose flagship department store has been a mainstay of the North East for more than 140 years.

Leo Fenwick, strategic partnerships director, Fenwick, said: “Our partnership with Baltic will reveal some brilliant new talent in the UK. Creativity has always been part of the Fenwick DNA and supporting talent is a very exciting part of who we are. Through this unique partnership we will showcase artists and celebrate art and culture in the North East.”

Paul Smith, Maximo Park commented: “It’s a pleasure to be able to work with Baltic and to spend some time with all the varied submissions.

“After completing my visual art studies, I was a drawing and painting teacher when Maximo Park signed our first record contract, which altered my artistic focus somewhat! However, I’ve retained a keen interest in the visual arts, so this invitation was an opportunity not to be missed.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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