OPEN CALL
D CONTEMPORARY AWARD 2026
In a world that moves faster every day, culture is what keeps us grounded, inspiring, and connected. The D Contemporary Open Call 2026, under the theme Soft Power, celebrates the subtle ways art shapes understanding, fosters empathy, and expands our vision of what is possible.
Soft power is the quiet force of stories, memories, and experiences that resonate beyond the individual. It is how personal narratives become shared histories, and how creativity transforms curiosity, need, and imagination into enduring cultural impact.
The D Contemporary Award 2026 is designed to provide emerging and early mid-career artists of all ages and nationalities with the opportunity to showcase their work, while receiving support to develop and enhance their practice within our contemporary art gallery in London.
This year’s we invite artists across all disciplines—painting, sculpture, photography, installation, , digital media, and beyond—to explore how art inspires, connects, and uplifts. We seek work that reflects on human experience, celebrates resilience, and demonstrates the enduring power of cultures.
Over the past four years, the D Contemporary Open Call Award has grown into a global platform for emerging talent, connecting artists with collectors, curators, and audiences. The 2026 edition continues this legacy, offering a vibrant space in Westminster, London, for dialogue, creativity, and inspiration.
Through Soft Power, we honor the lasting energy of culture: the capacity of art to inspire, to connect, and to shape the world positively. We invite artists worldwide to share their vision, transform their ideas into experience, and contribute to a collective celebration of creativity.
As the art world and its economies shift, artists stand at the forefront of redefining what value and influence mean today. We are inviting artists to explore the subtle forces—emotional and cultural—that shape our shared present. This open call celebrates soft power: art as empathy, resistance, renewal, and quiet transformation.
To celebrate another year of artistic exploration, we are issuing our annual open call in a new format to artists across the globe to reveal their true selves through their creative practices. As always, we aim to discover, showcase, and support eclectic talents worldwide.
This year, ever expanding we will not centre around only an exhibition, this year we are creating an ecosystem and the open call will have a award format. A selection of artists will be shortlisted an apart from the opportunity to showcase their work in a group exhibition at our new premises, an amazing team of partners , jurors and sponsors each one will give an w=award and they will receive subtantial contributions. then the A jury of influential art professionals will then select one standout artist from this exhibition to receive a solo exhibition, monetary prizes, dedicated mentorship, and press coverage in 2025/6
We welcome submissions in all forms and media, and the judging panel will curate the exhibition to best suit our unique space in the heart of Westminster London
Submission Details
Artists may submit up to five images of their work for consideration. The submission fee is £23 per artist, which contributes to the exhibition costs and includes the benefits outlined below.
Benefits for Finalists
Finalists will receive:
-Awards from our exclusive partners
-A group exhibition in the heart of London’s fine art district.
-Artist name and social media links featured on all promotional materials (digital and print).
-Photography and coverage of the exhibition, including Private View promotions.
-Promotion on D Contemporary’s website and social media channels.
-Full curatorial and installation support with opportunities for future collaboration.
-Professional documentation of artworks for the artists' future use.
-Support in developing artist statements, written materials, and enhancing online presence.
-Outreach to press, along with promotion on our website and social media platforms.
Subject to discussion: Artworks selected and showcased may also be consigned through D Contemporary for further promotion, with terms to be agreed upon selection.
Eligibility
-Open to artists in the UK and internationally.
-All media are welcome.
-No age limits—applicants will be judged solely on the quality of their work.
-Students currently enrolled in BA, MA, or equivalent postgraduate research programs (e.g., PhD, MPhil) are eligible to apply.
-Joint, group, or collective applications will not be accepted.
If a submitted work exceeds 200cm on its largest side, please contact us for specific guidance before submitting.
For any questions regarding the open call or if you would like to submit a video or sound piece please contact info@dcontemporary.com
DEADLINE: 5 APRIL 2026
JURY / PARTNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Please contact info@dcontemporary.com if you are an organisation and want to be associated / partner with us
Early Bird Registration
To celebrate the opening of the D Contemporary Open Call 2026, we are offering a special Early Bird submission rate for the first two weeks.
Artists who submit their application within the first two weeks of the Open Call will benefit from a reduced entry fee of £15, instead of the standard submission fee of £23.