Queer Joy: Open Exhibition - Apply here
Application deadline: Thursday 20th August
We're excited to announce an open exhibition as part of Totnes Pride. We're inviting LGBTQIA+ artists who are based in, raised in, or connected to South Devon to submit work exploring the theme of Queer Joy.
Selected works will be shown at The Angel Space, Totnes, from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026. Space in the gallery is limited, so we won't be able to show every submission in person — but every artist who submits will be featured in a virtual exhibition here on the Totnes Pride website, building a lasting, growing gallery of LGBTQIA+ art from across the region.
Queer Joy is the theme for this year’s Totnes Pride and we welcome your interpretation for this open exhibition.
Queer joy isn't always loud, and it isn't always uncomplicated. It can be bright, expansive, and full of connection or it can be something quieter, sitting alongside grief or change.
How do you find, make, or share queer joy?
We're inviting LGBTQIA+ artists aged 18 and over to respond to this theme in whatever way feels true to them. We welcome work across drawing, photography, mixed media, 2D work, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, digital media, installation, and performance — and we're looking forward to seeing the theme interpreted in as many different ways as possible.
About the theme: Queer Joy
LGBTQIA+ artists aged 18 or over
Based in, raised in, or connected to South Devon
One artwork per artist, in any medium listed above
WHO CAN APPLY?
Entry information
Image: Up to 5 clear photos of your artwork (max file size 10MB)
Details to include: title, medium, year created, dimensions in centimetres (height × width × depth), and sale price if the work is for sale
If selected: bring your work ready to hang, display, or install, with any fixings included. Let us know about any specific display requirements in your submission so we can plan for them in advance
Delivery: we encourage artists to deliver work in person where possible. If that's not possible, please arrange and cover the cost of delivery and collection — we're not able to organise transport or returns, and you may want to insure your work in transit
Sales: you're welcome to offer your work for sale, but there's no obligation to. If a piece sells during the exhibition, Totnes Pride retains 15% commission to help cover the cost of staging the show and supporting our volunteer-run activities, with the rest going directly to you. Buyers cover any shipping costs. We'll handle all sales and transfer proceeds to artists after the exhibition closes
HOW TO APPLY
Prefer to apply by email?
If you'd rather not use the Google Form, send your name, pronouns (optional), artist statement (optional), and the entry information listed above to art@totnespride.uk with the subject line ARTIST SUBMISSION. Our team will confirm they've received it as soon as they can.
Work for the physical show is selected by a volunteer panel of queer artists, curators, and community members. Every artist who submits will be included in the virtual exhibition on the Totnes Pride website, regardless of whether their piece is chosen for the gallery space.
HOW WE CURATE IT
Submissions open: Friday 3 July
Submissions close: Thursday 20 August
Responses sent by: Monday 24 August (some confirmations may come earlier)
Handing-in day: Wednesday 23 Sept
Private view: Thursday 24 September, 6–7pm (artists and guests only)
Opening event: Thursday 24 September, 7–8.30pm
Exhibition open: Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 September 2026
Collection: from 5pm, Sunday 27 September 2026
We can't wait to see your work.
Love, the Queer Joy Art Team x