Accessible participation for artists
Established the same year as the gallery in 1984, Southwark Park Galleries’ Annual Open has been a rare opportunity for all artists at any stage of their career to submit work without a selection criteria, making it London’s longest-running open and democratic exhibition.
This year the salon-style exhibition brings together over 475 works in drawing, painting, photography, print, sculpture and film to champion the diversity of artistic practice in the UK today.
From its inception, the ethos of the Annual Open has always been about accessible participation and creating opportunities for artists, so there is no judging panel for entering the exhibition. Instead, two alumni artists from Southwark Park Galleries’ programme select a winner to receive a prize.
All works are for sale with 60% of the value going directly to the artists and 40% contributing to our programme. We have proudly served the communities in Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and beyond for four decades, supporting almost 15,000 artists to date. Funding raised enables us to continue our work for hopefully the next 40 years.
This year’s judges are sound artist and musician Paul Purgas and painter Joy Labinjo, who will award the prize of £500 towards a solo exhibition in our Salter Space in autumn 2025, generously donated by Breckman & Company.
As is tradition, we mark the close of this year’s Annual Open and the winner announcement with mulled wine and carols in the garden.
Southwark Park Galleries, Lake Gallery, Southwark Park, SE16
The exhibition runs: Saturday 2 November – Saturday 14 December
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Closing Event: Saturday 1 December, 1 – 4pm (Winner Announcement)
