Ironbridge Fine Arts: Call to Artists
Current Calls. Listed by deadline date
Ironbridge Fine Arts
Printmaking Competition 2026
Enter by 11th May 2026 5pm
Print • Share • Inspire
Entries are now open for the Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026, a worldwide celebration of printmaking. At Ironbridge Fine Arts and Framing, printmaking sits at the heart of what we do; from the ...
Open for Entry
Entry Deadline: 11/05/2026, 5pm
Exhibition Location: UK
Exhibition Type: Gallery and Online
Full Details, Entry Terms & Conditions
Ironbridge Fine Arts
Printmaking Competition 2026
Enter by 11th May 2026 5pm
Print • Share • Inspire
Entries are now open for the Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026, a worldwide celebration of printmaking. At Ironbridge Fine Arts and Framing, printmaking sits at the heart of what we do; from the global use of our Gunning Etching Presses to exhibitions, workshops, and our annual competition. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, reach an international audience, and be part of a curated exhibition that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Open to UK and International Artists & entrants may submit up to six pieces for consideration, with the chance to compete for recognition and prizes, while also becoming part of a supportive and creative community of printmakers.
Opportunities for Artists
We’re proud to present a generous line-up of prizes from leading names in the art world, thoughtfully curated to support and elevate printmakers:
UK Printmakers
- Win a Little Thumper Gunning Etching Press worth £1550 plus additional prizes — see the full 2026 Printmaking Prize List below.
- Featured in our physical exhibition at Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as in the online exhibition.
- Included in the official printed exhibition catalogue.
- Attend an exclusive Private View on 4th July 2026 (12 PM – 4 PM) with live demos, artist talks, and networking with judges and fellow creatives.
- Students enjoy discounted entry, and 10 students will have their work professionally framed for free using AR70 Invisible Art Glass — courtesy of Centrado Trading and Ironbridge Fine Arts.
- UK Applicants: Final framed size must not exceed 50 cm × 50 cm.
International Printmakers
- Win a Mini Thumper Gunning Etching Press (£1,000 value, including international shipping).
- Selected artworks showcased in the online exhibition.
- Displayed digitally on-screen within the gallery space during the physical exhibition.
- Included in the official printed exhibition catalogue.
- International Applicants: There is no maximum size limit; works will be included in the online exhibition and displayed digitally in the gallery space.
All Prizes
Ironbridge Fine Arts UK Prize - Little Thumper Gunning Etching Press worth £1550
Ironbridge Fine Arts International Prize - Mini Thumper Gunning Etching Press worth £1,000 including international shipping
Ironbridge Colour Prize: An exclusive opportunity to create your own custom ink colour, with 10 pots produced, and a permanent feature in the Ironbridge Printmakers Ink Range.
Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery Prize: Three artists will be selected as Featured Printmakers in a dedicated exhibition at the Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery, showcasing their work in a celebrated UK space.
Leicester Print Workshop – One printmaker receives a year’s studio access.
Art Lab – 3-month access to studios for the selected artist.
Awahami Paper Award - 50 sheets of AWAGAMI EDITIONING washi paper (retail value £400) in this year’s prizes.
Roberson and Co Prizes – Two printmakers receive comprehensive printmaking kits with tools and materials for multiple processes.
Centrado Trading Framing Prize – Ten students’ artworks will be framed in Centrado Luxe Moulding with Invisible AR70 Artglass for exhibition display.
The Valley Hotel - One nights Bed and Breakfast for two people at the beautiful Valley Hotel in Ironbridge plus a bottle of House Wine on arrival!
Hahnemühle UK Ltd Paper Prize – £200 worth of professional printmaking paper.
Lion Picture Framing Prize – Four printmakers will have their artworks professionally framed by Ironbridge Fine Arts into a beautiful New Moulding by Lion Picture Framing ready for the exhibition display.
St Cuthberts Mill Prize - One printmaker will receive 25 sheets of Somerset satin 250gsm printmaking paper worth £176.00
John Purcell Paper Voucher – £150 to spend on premium printmaking and fine art papers.
Speedball Prize - £120 worth of vouchers to use against Speedball Acrylic Screen-printing inks or Akua inks.
South West Art Prize – £100 voucher for materials plus a one-day hire of their printmaking studio.
Essdee Prizes – £100 voucher for one printmaker and £50 voucher for another (materials for lino and relief printing).
Gloucestershire Printmaking Cooperative Prize - One printmaker will recieve a free place on a weekend printmaking course at Gloucestershire Printmaking Cooperative
Edinburgh Printmakers Course Place – Space on an evening or weekend course in 2026 (subject to availability).
Spike Print Studio Prize - One printmaker will receive a one day colour mixing course at Spike print Studio
CraftCourses Voucher – £100 redeemable against creative courses UK-wide.
West Yorkshire Print Workshop Voucher – £80 credit for membership or courses (valid until 31 March 2027).
East London Printmakers Prize – One year’s free associate membership plus a box set print and an invitation to exhibit in the annual Festival of Print.
Fine Art Trade Guild Prize – One year of Associate Membership with access to industry expertise and eligibility for the Guild Artists Showcase.
Pressing Matters Prize – Three magazine issues and a branded tote bag.
Spike Print Studio Course – One-day colour mixing workshop.
Gloucestershire Printmaking Cooperative Course – Weekend printmaking course place.
White Hart Vouchers – £50 to spend at the Ironbridge venue.
Visual Art Network Voucher – £20 discount for purchases in the VAN Gallery.
The Yard Print Studio Prize - One Printmaker will recieve a £50 gift voucher for courses and workshops available at The YardPrint Studio, run by printmaker Nichola Goff in the Forest of Dean.
Printmaking Today prize - One printmaker will receive a year's subscription to Printmaking Today magazine.
Judging Panel
Our in-house judging team comprises artists and professionals with lifelong knowledge, industry experience, and deep expertise in printmaking. Alongside an exceptional lineup of guest judges, this year’s panel brings a broad spectrum of artistic insight and perspective. They understand the craft from every angle – technical excellence, creative vision, and the standards that define outstanding printmaking. Together they will celebrate innovation and skill, recognising work that reflects both mastery and artistic ambition.
In-House Judges
- Jenny Gunning ARBSA – Master printmaker and Guild Certified Framer
- Dave Gunning BA (Hons) – Renowned artist and inventor of the Gunning Etching Press
- Brendan Flynn – RBSA Professor of Art History and curator
Guest Judges
- Greg Davies – Comedian & TV Personality
- Chloe Barnes – Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2025
- John Cooper – BBC1 Interior Design Masters 2025
Important Dates
Entries Open: 3rd March 2026
Entries Close: 11th May 2026
Selection Notification: 23rd May 2026 (log in to check if your work has been selected for the Physical & Virtual Exhibition)
Artwork Delivery Window: 19th – 20th June 2026 (10 AM – 4 PM)
Private View & Prize Ceremony: 4th July 2026 (12 PM – 4 PM)
Exhibition Ends: 26th September 2026
Artwork Collection (if unsold): 2nd & 3rd October 2026
How to Enter
- Entries are submitted online only via the Olist platform
- Applicants must create an account on Olist to submit
- Entry fee: £22.00 per artwork (non-refundable)
- Students & under 25s: £18.00 per artwork (non-refundable)
- Maximum submissions: Up to 6 pieces per artist
- Artwork criteria: Any printmaking process
- Size Requirements:
- UK Applicants: Final framed size must not exceed 50 cm × 50 cm.
- International Applicants: There is no maximum size limit; works will be included in the online exhibition and displayed digitally in the gallery space.
- Upload high-quality images with a description, technique, and size details.
- All applications must be completed before 5 pm on 11th May 2026.
- It is the artist’s responsibility to confirm eligibility; no refunds will be given.
- Please read the Terms & Conditions prior to entering.
- Open to UK and International Artists – this is a chance to compete for recognition, prizes, and be part of a supportive and creative community of printmakers.
Technical Support:
If you experience issues during submission, contact lori@oess.uk with screenshots. Lori will respond promptly.
Follow Us
For updates and news, follow us on Instagram:
@ironbridgeprintmakers
@ironbridgefinearts
Follow Us
For updates and news, follow us on Instagram:
@ironbridgeprintmakers
@ironbridgefinearts
Call Status: Open for Entry
Exhibition Location: UK
Exhibition Type: Gallery and Online
Entry Deadline: 11/05/2026, 5pm
Exhibition Contact: Sarah@ironbridgefinearts.co.uk
Key Dates
Entries Close: 11th May 2026, 5pm
Selection: 23rd May 2026 log in to check if your work has been selected for the Physical & Virtual Exhibition
Artwork Delivery Window: 19th – 20th June 2026 - 10 am to 4 pm at Ironbridge Fine Arts, Shropshire, TF8 7NJ
Private View & Prize Ceremony: 4th July 2026 (12 PM – 4 PM)
Exhibition End Date: 26th September 2026
Artwork Collection if work is unsold: Between 2nd & 3rd October 2026 during gallery opening hours 10 am till 4 pm
Entry Pricing and Concessions
Standard Prices.
Maximum Artwork Entries: 6
First or Single Entry Price: £22.00
Additional Entries: £22.00 per artwork up to 6 artworks.
Student and Under 25s
Maximum Artwork Entries: 6
First or Single Entry Price: £15.00
Additional Entries: £18.00 per artwork up to 6 artworks.
Extra Questions
When entering this call, the organisers request that you answer the following questions.
Terms and Conditions
Printmaking 2026 Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility
The competition is open to printmakers worldwide.
All submitted works must be original prints created by the artist using recognised printmaking processes (see Section 4).
Works may be:
- Editioned prints
- One-off prints
- Monotypes or monoprints
- Artist Proofs
- Variable Editions
Giclée prints, digital reproductions, or reproduction prints of any kind are not eligible.
There is no set theme for Printmaking 2026. The aim of the competition is to showcase excellence in contemporary printmaking worldwide, providing a platform for printmakers from across the globe to celebrate their craft, highlight technical skill, and explore innovative approaches that push the boundaries of the medium.
2. Submission Procedure
Entries must be submitted online only via the Olist platform.
Applicants must create an account on Olist in order to submit work.
Maximum of 6 artworks per artist
Maximum framed size (UK physical exhibition): 50cm x 50cm
High-quality image required (JPEG or PNG, 1–4MB)
Full description required (technique, size including frame, edition details)
Entry Fee:
£22 per artwork
£18 per artwork (students)
It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure their work meets all eligibility and presentation requirements before submission. Entry fees are non-refundable.
3. Sale & Commission
Works may be marked:Absolutely, Sarah. Here’s a fully rewritten, clear, structured, and applicant-friendly version of your Terms & Conditions that you can copy and paste directly. I’ve made UK vs International rules very obvious, highlighted the 50 cm × 50 cm limit, and grouped all delivery/framing info clearly:
Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026 – Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility
UK Applicants: Must be resident in the United Kingdom. Final framed artworks must not exceed 50 cm × 50 cm.
International Applicants: Artists based outside the UK may enter with no size limit. Works will be included in the online exhibition and displayed digitally in the gallery space; physical exhibition is UK only.
Republic of Ireland: Entries are considered international and are not eligible for physical exhibition or UK-based prizes.
2. Submissions
Up to 6 artworks per artist may be submitted.
Entry fees: £22 per artwork (£18 for students & under 25s). Non-refundable.
Upload high-resolution images with a description including technique and size.
Artists are responsible for confirming eligibility; no refunds will be given.
All submissions must be completed by 5 pm on 11th May 2026 via the Olist platform.
3. For Sale / Not For Sale
If for sale:
Prices must be inclusive of VAT where applicable.
Prices must be confirmed at submission and cannot be changed after selection.
If a work sells:
Artist receives 60% of the sale price; Ironbridge Fine Arts retains 40% commission (inclusive of VAT).
Gallery manages all sales transactions.
If a framed work sells and a customer requests another print from the edition, the gallery may contact the artist to confirm availability and supply cost. Any subsequent sale is subject to artist confirmation.
4. Accepted Printmaking Techniques
Etching (any metal)
Drypoint
Mezzotint
Photo-Etching (Solar Plate, Dry Film, Photogravure, Photo Emulsion)
Collagraph (including collage, card cut-out, carborundum, Tetra-pack)
Relief printing (Lino, Woodcut, Engraving, Woodblock, Multi-plate, Reduction)
Monotypes & Monoprints
Lithography
Mokulito
Viscosity Printing
Letterpress
Gelli Plate Printing
Cyanotype
Silkscreen
Gyotaku
Botanical Transfer Printing
Printmaking collage (using the above processes)
Only original printmaking processes are accepted.
5. Selection Process
All submissions are reviewed by a selection committee.
Selection is based on: artistic quality, technical ability, originality, and overall presentation.
Decisions of the selection committee are final; no correspondence will be entered into.
Works not meeting size, framing, or eligibility requirements may be refused.
6. Exhibition Details
Physical Exhibition (UK only): Selected UK works will be displayed at Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery, Shropshire.
Online Exhibition (UK & International): All selected works will be displayed digitally on the gallery website and virtual exhibition platform.
Catalogue: All selected works will appear in the Printmaking 2026 Catalogue, available to purchase online.
7. Key Dates
Online applications close: 11th May 2026, 5 pm
Announcement of selected works: 23rd May 2026 (check results via Olist)
Delivery of selected works (UK only): 19th–20th June 2026, 10 am–4 pm
Private View & Prize Announcement: 4th July 2026, 12 pm–4 pm
Exhibition Opens: 4th July 2026
Exhibition Closes: 26th September 2026
Collection of unsold works (UK only): 2nd & 3rd October 2026, 10 am–4 pm
8. Framing & Presentation (UK Applicants Only)
All works must be framed to a minimum Level 2 Conservation standard using professional materials.
Accepted hanging systems: D-rings, strap hangers, mirror plates.
Not accepted: sawtooth hangers, clip frames, damaged or unstable frames.
Frames must be clean, structurally sound, and fitted with appropriate hanging hardware.
Works not meeting these standards may be refused.
International applicants: Physical framing is not required.
9. Delivery (UK Applicants Only)
Deliver selected works to: Ironbridge Fine Arts, Shropshire, TF8 7NJ
Delivery dates: 19th–20th June 2026, 10 am–4 pm. Late arrivals may not be accepted.
Artists must remove or arrange return of packaging.
All works will be condition-checked on arrival. Damage may result in the work not being hung.
10. Insurance
Artists are responsible for insuring their work during transit and exhibition.
Ironbridge Fine Arts is not liable for loss or damage.
11. Collection & Storage
Unsold works must be collected 2nd–3rd October 2026, 10 am–4 pm.
Uncollected works incur a £10/day storage fee.
After 30 days, uncollected works may be removed or disposed of at the gallery’s discretion.
12. Packaging & Shipping Return Service
Unsold works may be returned via the gallery’s shipping service (fees apply).
Once handed to an external courier, Ironbridge Fine Arts is not responsible for loss or damage. Artists are advised to insure their work.
13. Copyright & Image Use
Artists retain full copyright.
By entering, you grant Ironbridge Fine Arts permission to use images for promotional purposes, exhibition, catalogue, website, and marketing.
If you do not wish your work to be used for promotional purposes, notify the gallery prior to submission.
14. Data Protection
Personal information will be processed solely for competition administration and handled in accordance with GDPR.
15. General Agreement
By submitting work, artists confirm:
The work is entirely their own creation.
All submission details are accurate.
They agree to these Terms & Conditions.
They accept the selection committee’s decision is final.
This version:
Puts UK/International differences right at the top.
Highlights the 50 cm × 50 cm rule for UK entrants.
Clearly separates sections for framing, delivery, and sales.
Reduces repeated points and makes scanning easier for applicants.
If you like, I can also draft a shorter “applicant-friendly” one-page version for the website or PDF, which keeps all the rules but looks less intimidating and is easier to read online.
Do you want me to do that?
Please Note: The above terms and conditions are provided by the exhibition organisers.
For terms and conditions which apply to the use of the OESS entry system please view below:
OESS Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy