Big Art Show 2026

Description

Welcome to the Big Art Show 2026
One of Scotland's largest exhibitions now in its 5th year.

Calling all artists!  The Art Department, Paisley Ltd are announcing a CALL FOR ENTRIES for the Big Art Show 2026. Taking place for a 5th
year in The Art Department, Paisley.  The show will open on Sat 29th August and run until Sat 14th November 2026 at our new permanent home and gallery space at 9-11 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1UW.REGISTRATION FOR OUR 2026 BIG ART SHOW WILL OPEN 1st MARCH 2026
The organisers are looking for entries which includes painting, drawing, photography, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, installation art, digital, film, video and sound. Closing date for entries is 31st May 2026. The hanging fee will be £10 per piece of artwork, and artists can submit a maximum of SIX art works. All submissions must be made online via this site.
The show in 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 ran for three months, and in 2025 featured over 505 artists with up to 1100 works on show. Most work is for sale. A full-colour souvenir catalogue is produced.  Upwards of 15,000 visitors are expected. The show is organised by The Art Department, Paisley Ltd, a Scottish Charity SC023620. Selection of work takes place in June 2026 by a panel of professional artists, who select the work and manage the volunteers who help hang the show.  We offer a number of Prizes and work closely with other arts organisations developing creative partnerships with upcoming talent.

Sales proceeds benefit the charity and contribute to organisation, hanging and marketing costs.  Sales Commission is 30% with VAT @ 20% on the sales commission element only.  Remittance to artists will be by 31st December 2026.Please note we expect the majority of work submitted to be for sale.
Key Dates 
Call for Entries 1st March - 31st May 2026Selection Process 1-8 June 2026Artists Notification 10th June approx.Hand-in of artwork 20th July - 1 August 2026Exhibition Opening Saturday 29th August 2026Show ends Saturday 14th November 2026Exhibition Opening Hours Tues-Sat 10am-4pmHand-Back 16th - 28th November 2026Remittance of sales by 31st December 2026 Any enquiries should be directed to The Art Department, Paisley team as the main exhibition organisers.The Art Department, Paisley Ltd9-11 Causeyside Street, PAISLEY PA1 1UWTel 0141 847 1122 (office hours Tue-Sat 10am-4pm (closed Sun/Mon)Email contact@art-department.org