OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS 2026
The Pittenweem Arts Festival is inviting artists based in Scotland to exhibit their boldest most expressive work at the 2026 festival. We are seeking individuals who produce art that:
- Celebrates creativity
- Inspires participation
- Fosters community, inclusivity, or diversity.
We welcome submissions in all forms including performance, digital conceptual art, or installations. This opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines and media, regardless of their career stage, as long as they are based in Scotland.
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DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 12 noon on 31st October 2025
EXHIBITION DATES: 31st July - 8th August 2026
ABOUT PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL
Pittenweem Arts Festival is a prestigious event in Scotland’s arts scene, celebrating creativity and community. With over 20,000 visitors and over 100 exhibiting artists it is a unique opportunity to showcase your work to a new audience in the picturesque east coast village of Pittenweem.
Previous Featured Artists
Over the years, the Pittenweem Arts Festival has had the honour of hosting an impressive roster of invited artists, each bringing their unique vision and voice to our village. These have included renowned painters, sculptors and multimedia artists, reflecting the festival's commitment to diversity in the arts. Highlights have included such luminaries as Alasdair Gray, John Byrne and, in 2023, Joyce Gunn Cairns.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please fill in the application form by 12pm 31st October using the link at the bottom of this page.
We can also offer additional support with your application such as scribing which is when you talk through your answers with a member of the team and they fill out the form on your behalf.
Please contact the team at: info@pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk by Friday 22 August so we have time to assist you before applications close.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application during the week of 31st October 2025.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCESS
The Festival is committed to equality and opposed to all forms of unfair discrimination. We welcome applications from artists underrepresented in the arts sector.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND THE SELECTION PROCESS
To be eligible to participate as the Invited Artist, Pittenweem Arts Festival 2026, artists must:
- Be living and working professional artist in Scotland
- Produce work that is created/designed by the artist/s
- Produce work that demonstrates excellence and a unique vision that is skillfully executed and well-conceived
- The artist/s and their work must be available for the set up and duration of the Festival.
Selection for the open call will be based on the following:
- How suitable is your work for the audience and the Festival itself
- Quality of your work (technical ability/concept/execution)
- How the work sits with the curatorial vision of the Festival
- Professionalism based on the images and content submitted in your application.
The invited artist/s will be chosen by a selection panel of board members and artists/curators who will be announced shortly.
FEES AND COSTS
- Artists Fee: £3500 covering set up and artist’s presence for the duration of the Festival.
- We will also help with:
- Transportation costs,
- accommodation for up two people,
- gallery sitter,
- promotion on socials/printed media,
- curatorial/installation assistants,
- exhibition space and insurance.
- If the work is saleable, the Festival takes 30% and handles all payments, artist/s will be paid by 31st August 2026.
- Application Fee: £20 administration charge.