FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY APPLY TO THE OPEN CALL

  • Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair’s unique hybrid model of representing artists directly within a curated exhibition next to individual gallery booths, creates opportunities for emerging artists to sit alongside some of the most prominent international printmakers and specialist dealers, while formulating new approaches to contemporary printmaking.

    The annual Curated Hang is comprised of artwork by successful applications from the international artist open call. It brings high quality new and unexpected work into the Fair, while platforming independent, up-and-coming, global artists.

    By bringing together both independent artists and gallery-led booths, WCPF offers an entirely unique and exciting art fair experience.

  • The democratic nature of the selection process means that successful works exhibited at our physical Fair are those pieces that receive a majority vote from the entire panel.

    The Director's Cut recognises some of the shortlisted artists that haven't made it through to the final stage, but who the WCPF Directors feel deserve recognition and credit as exceptional works of art.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

  • If you are a living artist working with an original printmaking medium and want to exhibit at the largest international celebration of contemporary print, then you’re eligible to apply!

  • The online application process is straightforward and easy, taking just 10 minutes. Simply apply on the portal via our website from 01 April 2025.

  • Yes, we encourage all artists based anywhere in the world to apply. If you can’t make it in person to the Fair, there is plenty on The Online Edition and our online programme for you to enjoy.

  • Submissions open from 01 April 2025 via our website.

  • You must submit your full application by 23:59 (GMT) on 01 June 2025.

  • Within the application you must provide:

    Stage 1 | Applicant Details

    • Artistic statement, written in the third person (max 200 words). See example statement here

    • Contact details

    • A portrait photograph of yourself (required for marketing and profile purposes if the application is successful). Please note, Panelists will not have access to your profile picture and it will have no effect in the outcome of your application.

    • Number of works being submitted

    • Payment method (valid Debit/Credit card; Paypal). To receive your FREE APPLICATION as an Artist Member, please use the email you signed up with and it will automatically apply the discount.

    Stage 2 | Artwork Details

    • Digital images of your artwork (no larger than 3MB)

    • Dimensions in cm (framed & unframed)

    • Prices (framed & unframed)

    • Edition Size

  • You can submit up to 6 artworks.

  • For your application, take good quality, high resolution photographs of your artwork.

    We want to see your artwork as clearly as possible. Keep the background simple, the image in focus, and the lighting natural (and no hands holding up the artwork please!).

    If accepted these images will be shared with press and on our own marketing channels.

    We also accept scanned artworks.

  • Application Fee | £35.00 for first artwork submission, £5.00 per artwork application thereafter.

    All applicants (regardless of whether they are selected for the Fair) receive a free ticket to WCPF25, free access to our online Art & Business workshops, and further sales opportunities throughout the year. We hope these offers offset the application fee.

  • Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is dedicated to providing a platform for independent artists to exhibit their artwork on an international scale. While we try to keep the cost as low as possible, the small application fee covers accumulating administrative and staff costs involved in organising, marketing and creating the international artist open call.

    Without charging a small application fee, we would not be able to dedicate any space for independent artists as part of our unique 50/50 artist-gallery model. By representing independent artists directly within a curated Fair, this gives emerging creatives a spotlight to be discovered, exhibited alongside some of the most prominent international artists & specialist dealers today.

    WCPF provides a critical platform to help artists further their career through our direct support, opportunities and prizes.

  • Whilst the open call application fee is as low and flexible as possible, in conjunction with our other offers and opportunities for applicants, we understand that for some artists it is unaffordable. As we are dedicated to supporting all artists, we offer an additional Open Call Hardship Fund and student discounts.

  • A panel of 12 industry experts consider each work on a piece-by-piece basis. The entire process is completely democratic and each artwork is voted for anonymously. Following a shortlisting process, successful exhibiting works of art are assigned on a majority score basis.

    We will notify artists via email the outcome of their application.

  • Our artist Open Call is selected through an annually-changing panel of industry experts. This keeps the process completely democratic to include different tastes and expertise, and to create a fresh hang every year. Each application is reviewed anonymously on a piece-by-piece basis, selecting the highest calibre of work.

    Please don’t be put off if you are unsuccessful one year.

  • We ask that applications are only submitted by artists aged 16 years and over.

  • Yes, print studios can simply apply via our website using the same online form. Applications must be per artist.

    If the print studios would like to be the main point of contact, please submit the studios contact details on the form.

  • No, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair open call applications can only be made by living artists.

ARTWORKS

  • Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair recognises the term ‘original print’ to be a work of art that was conceived as a print in its first instance, as opposed to a reproduction of another original work.

  • Works are not required to be on paper. A submission could also combine printmaking techniques with other forms of art practice (such as sculpture, installation, performance etc.).

    If the work is 2D, we do require them framed with a standard hanging method to help our technicians during install. However, if the work has been conceived to be shown in an alternative manner we will require the artist to provide the required display method if accepted.

  • Yes! Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is a platform for pushing the boundaries of print and accepts and encourages applications that are pioneering new technical approaches, that are large-scale contemporary art interventions, or presented in unconventional formats.

  • Yes, they are!

  • Yes, we accept variable editions.

  • Yes. Any artwork that involves a printmaking process or technique combined with another medium is accepted.

  • We accept digital print applications if the work has been conceived as - and will remain - an original limited edition print. We do not accept reproductions of other artworks e.g. a giclée print of a painting. We describe the term ‘original print’ as being an original work of art conceived of as a print in the first instance.

  • Yes, it is.

  • We accept giclée print applications if the work has been conceived as - and will remain - an original limited edition print. We do not accept reproductions of other artworks.

  • Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair has a 40% +VAT commission fee on every sale (excluding framing - we do not take % on framing costs).

  • If you're based in the UK, we are providing free transportation to and from the Fair via our regional drop-off points.

  • Yes, this year we are working with our international shipping partner PACK & SEND, available to transport your artworks to and from WCPF.

    PACK & SEND specialise in international shipping. They will also professionally pack your items to ensure they are safe and secure. They have years of experience in handling and packing even the most fragile of items.

  • We will be providing artists with a pre-completed customs form for international delivery available to download from website.

    We can also offer support for international artists’ customs paperwork-related queries.

  • This year, we are offering international artists an option to exhibit ‘online-only’ at Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, if you are unable to afford international shipping costs.

DELIVERING YOUR ARTWORK

IN PERSON | UK REGIONAL DROP OFF | FRAMING SERVICE | INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

You can deliver your artworks to WCPF via the following 5 options:

  • If you live close by, or are willing to travel, you can drop your work off directly at the Fair site. This should be done via the stage door at the rear left side of the venue on the 09 November. If you arriving by car, you can use google maps to direct you to ‘Heritage car park’ which will take you directly to the rear door.

    Address:

    The Fireworks Factory,
    11 No 1 St,
    Royal Arsenal,
    London,
    SE18 6HD

  • With the help of our supportive partners, we have collated a list of Drop Off Locations around the UK, where exhibiting artists can drop off their work to then be transported to the event.

    This is a free service.

    Find the details for each by clicking into them:

    If you have any suggestions for additional drop off locations, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at info@woolwichprintfair.com.

    Please note:
    All unsold artwork will be sent back to its associated drop off point after the fair has concluded.

  • To keep shipping costs low, we recommend using our dedicated WCPF framing service, whereby artworks can be shipped to the UK unframed.

    We launched Woolwich Contemporary Framing to provide competitively priced exhibition-ready frames. Discover more here.

    All works must be RECEIVED by Monday 15 September

  • If you are unsure of how to send your works abroad and would like assistance, PACK & SEND, our are dedicated partners and will be available to advise. You will need to package your work securely for shipping and PACK & SEND will send you a label.

    PACK & SEND specialise in international shipping, they have years of experience in handling and packing even the most fragile of items. They will help with shipping paperwork and customs forms, which are required.

    For queries relating to international transportation, please contact PACK & SEND here.

  • If you send works abroad regularly and are confident you know how to ship using the correct declaration forms, or want to list the work as having no commercial value, please send works to the following address:

    WCPF Newhouse, Ireshopeburn, Weardale. DL13 1QA

    Email: info@woolwichprintfair.com

    All works must be RECEIVED by Monday 15 October

    Please note - ALL unsold and uncollected international artworks from the fair will be returned to PACK & SEND for shipping back to the artist - including those sent to our workshop.

    To keep shipping costs low, we recommend using our dedicated WCPF framing service, whereby artworks can be shipped to the UK unframed. We launched Woolwich Contemporary Framing to provide competitively priced exhibition-ready frames. Discover more here.

    it is the artist’s responsibility to declare the artwork on an international postage customs declaration form and pay any customs costs your country may impose. To help with this, Art Business Info have created a comprehensive guide on international shipping and customs declaration here.

  • If you are hoping to send in work internationally we offer two options to choose from. We recommend sending works unframed to keep shipping costs low, Framing options can be found in the drop down below.

    Option 1:

    If you send works abroad regularly and are confident you know how to ship using the correct declaration forms, or want to list the work as having no commercial value, please send works to the following address:

    WCPF Newhouse, Ireshopeburn, Weardale. DL13 1QA

    Email: info@woolwichprintfair.com

    Option 2:

    If you are unsure of how to send your works abroad and would like assistance, PACK & SEND, our are dedicated partners and will be available to advise. You will need to package your work securely for shipping and PACK & SEND will send you a label.

    PACK & SEND specialise in international shipping, they have years of experience in handling and packing even the most fragile of items. They will help with shipping paperwork and customs forms, which are required.

    For queries relating to international transportation, please contact PACK & SEND here.

    All works must be RECEIVED by 15 October

    Please note - ALL unsold and uncollected artworks from the fair will be returned to PACK & SEND for shipping back to the artist.

    it is the artist’s responsibility to declare the artwork on an international postage customs declaration form and pay any customs costs your country may impose. To help with this, Art Business Info have created a comprehensive guide on international shipping and customs declaration here.

  • We will be providing artists with a pre-completed customs form for international delivery available to download from our website.

    We can also offer support for international artists’ customs paperwork-related queries.

  • To keep shipping costs low, we recommend using our dedicated WCPF framing service, whereby artworks can be shipped to the UK unframed.

    We launched Woolwich Contemporary Framing to provide competitively priced exhibition-ready frames. Discover more here.

    All works must be RECEIVED by Monday 15 September

  • Through our partnerships with Artsy and Kunstmatrix, you can enjoy our Online Edition anywhere in the world.

    This year, we are also offering international artists an option to exhibit ‘online-only’ at Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, if you are unable to afford international shipping costs.

We have created a useful guide to support our international artists, to make our application and exhibiting process easier than ever.

APPLYING OUTSIDE OF THE UK?

To strengthen the international links of art and culture in the UK, we have collated a list of additional country-specific support and contacts for our artists.

  • The Australia Council’s International Engagement Fund supports a range of activity that fosters people-to people connections; creates opportunities for cultural exchange and knowledge sharing; and showcases Australian creativity, culture and identity internationally.

    For more information about funding for Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups, click here.

  • The Canadian Council’s Arts Abroad Fund celebrates the creativity, innovation and excellence of Canadian artists by helping to bring Canadian works to the world.

    Find out more about this funding opportunity here.

  • The Danish Arts Foundation’s International Visual Arts Funding Programme supports Danish artists invited to exhibit abroad.

    For enquires, contact the Danish Arts Foundation’s office for Visual Arts via bild@slks.dk or + 45 33 95 42 00 .

    Visit their website for further information.

  • The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland is an expert on Finnish culture and society. The Institute supports the internationalisation of Finnish contemporary art and helps artists, researchers and social and cultural actors to create international networks. To discover ways in which they support Finnish artists exhibiting in the UK, visit their website.

  • You can find out more on the different approaches, aids and subsidies proposed by the French Ministry of Culture here.

    Furthermore, the Institut Français in London encourages cross-cultural exchange and presents the best of French culture. They offer financial support to connect French Artists with the British Art Scene. Find out more about their opportunities here.

  • The British Council in Germany have compiled a list of funding opportunities for artists exhibiting in the UK. Discover more here.

  • The British Council in India is committed to ensuring that partners, artists, and audiences in India have access to arts and cultural connections with the UK.

    Through new approaches to their work, they aim to continue to provide dynamic opportunities for artists and creative sectors around the world during a difficult and unpredictable time.

    If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions on how the British Council can provide advice and support, please contact arts.india@britishcouncil.org

    For more information, visit their website.

  • Culture Ireland offers support to Irish professional artists, arts organisations and international presenters to present work by Irish artists at significant international venues and festivals.

    Find out more about this funding here.

  • The Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity of the Ministry of Culture is the international call for proposals promoted by the DGCC in support of Italian contemporary creativity, strongly committed to the promotion of Italian art and artistic, critical and curatorial research abroad. To find out more, click here.

  • The Daiwa Foundation awards grants to individuals and institutions in the UK and Japan in all areas of the visual and performing arts. Find out more about the Daiwa Foundation Small Grants here.

    The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation also seeks to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the UK and Japan through financial support for activities, including Arts and Culture. To learn more about their grants, click here.

  • The British Korean Society has at times funds available for small grants to organisations or individuals for activities or projects in sympathy with our members’ and sponsors’ aims of fostering friendship between the UK and Korea. Find out more here.

  • The Dutch Embassy in London works to promote Dutch art and culture in the UK. They have a number of funds available to support artists exhibiting in the UK. Discover more here.

    The Mondriaan Fund also supports artists taking part in international art fairs. Find out more about their grants here.

  • There is support available from the Camoes Institute in Lisbon, which has grants for international accommodation and transportation. More information can be found here.

  • The Swedish Arts Grants Committee supports the work, development and international contacts of professional artists. It distributes state scholarships and grants to individual artists working in the visual arts, design, music, dance, theatre and film. It is required to keep up-to-date on artists' economic and social conditions. Find out more about their opportunities here.

  • Pro Helvetia promotes the professional contemporary Swiss visual arts with a view to ensuring their diversity as well as their national and international reach. It supports the creation of new artistic works, the dissemination of Swiss art and culture outside Switzerland and cultural exchange in Switzerland.

    Find out more about applying for visual arts funding to support presentations of work at art fairs here.

    Pro Helvetia supports presentations by up-and-coming artists at renowned art fairs in order to boost the artists’ international visibility, enable them to take initial steps into the market and become financially independent.

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