Open Call for Hampshire Artists
Exhibition at the Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke
14 November 2026 – 7 March 2027
Submissions close 25 October 2026
For the first time in years, our flagship Sainsbury Gallery will host an exhibition that invites artists living and working in Hampshire to be part of it. Share work inspired by the wonder of the night and exhibit alongside objects from our collections.
Wonders of the Night will bring together curious objects and artworks from Hampshire Cultural Trust's collections, from an eighteenth-century painting of astronomers marvelling through a telescope, to an Anglo-Saxon brooch etched with crescent moons and an antique celestial globe mapping the constellations, each capturing our age-old fascination with the skies above.
Themes you might explore...
- The night sky: The moon, stars, constellations, planets and the cosmos.
- Wonder and curiosity: Astronomy, astrology, star signs and celestial mysteries.
- Light after dark: Candlelight, lamplight, illuminated spaces, campfires and the glow of towns and cities after dark.
- Nature after dark: The changing light of dusk, twilight skies, nocturnal wildlife and moonlit landscapes.
- Stories of the night: Dreams, imagination, folklore, mythology, grief, or even artwork created after dark.
Your interpretation is entirely your own. We welcome all mediums, including painting, drawing, pastels, photography, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, mixed media and film.
Work does not need to have been created specifically for the exhibition, but must not have previously been exhibited at the Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery.
Who can enter?
The open call is for artists living or working in Hampshire.
There is also a free junior category for artists aged 17 and under. A parent or guardian must submit on behalf of junior entrants.
The Junior Category will form a small, dedicated section of the exhibition. As space is limited, we may unfortunately not be able to display every artwork submitted, but all entries will be carefully considered by the selection panel.
How much does it cost?
Entry costs £3 per artwork. Entry to the Junior Category is free.
When is the deadline?
Submit your artwork by 25 October 2026.
https://hampshireculturaltrust.typeform.com/to/rTJdN7sC#event=xxxxx
Early submissions are encouraged to help us plan the exhibition.
How will artwork be selected?
Submissions will be considered for inclusion in the exhibition by a selection panel. We will be looking for creative and thoughtful interpretations of the theme.
As gallery space is limited, we may not be able to include every artwork submitted, but all entries will be carefully considered.
Successful applicants will be contacted on the 27th October, and will need to prepare for drop off in the following two weeks, either at the Willis Museum, Basingstoke, or Chilcomb House, Winchester.
Can I sell my artwork?
Yes. Artwork can be offered for sale during the exhibition. Hampshire Cultural Trust will retain a commission of 25% + VAT on any artwork sold.
How should I present my artwork?
All selected artwork must arrive ready for display.
2D artwork should be appropriately framed or presented with suitable hanging fixings attached. 3D work must be stable and suitable for safe display in the gallery.
Full display and delivery requirements will be sent to successful applicants.
Peoples Choice Award
Visitors to Wonders of the Night will be invited to vote for their favourite artwork throughout the exhibition.
- 1st place £100 voucher
- 2nd place £50 voucher
- 3rd place £25 voucher
Winners can choose a voucher from a retailer of their choice.
