We are delighted to announce the theme for The Horton Summer Exhibition 2026 as Transformation. This will be the venue’s third open submission exhibition – which means that anyone living in Surrey can enter their work to be considered for inclusion.
With the work of both professionals and amateurs hanging side by side, the exhibition is an exciting mix of genres, featuring traditional techniques and fresh approaches by emerging artists and first-time exhibitors.
People are invited to submit their work on the theme for consideration by the panel of judges – with up to 100 artworks and three sought-after prizes awarded each year – of a solo exhibition in The Horton’s stunning Atrium gallery space.
This year’s Summer Exhibition theme highlights The Horton’s history as a space that has transformed its purpose several times over the last century – from asylum chapel and music therapy centre to abandoned listed building and now a vibrant cultural venue.
The venue’s director, Maria Reeves, explained: “The Horton itself inspired the theme Transformation but it is much more than just the physical fabric of the building and its architecture. Transformation alludes to reinvention and the capacity that as individuals we may have for resilience and rebuilding ourselves and our communities – creating positive change for good.”
Submissions can include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, textile and multi-media pieces.
The Horton’s open exhibition last year attracted entries from across Surrey responding to the theme ‘The Music Of Life .’ More than 2,500 people visited the exhibition over three weeks, and three artists were awarded prizes of their own solo exhibitions at The Horton – Annie Folkard, Glynis Lamond and Ray Winder.
Following her solo exhibition earlier this year, previous winner Annie Folkard encourages anyone who is unsure about entering to go for it:
She said: “Being part of The Horton Summer Exhibition was a brilliant opportunity to connect with fellow artists and share my work with a wider audience. It not only gave me increased exposure but has also inspired me to push my creativity. Winning the solo exhibition was a fantastic honour – it’s opened doors, given me confidence, and allowed my artistic voice to flourish. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to take part; you never know what opportunity could be around the corner.”
The Horton Summer Exhibition 2026 Key Dates and Details
Our Summer Exhibition will be held 1st – 25th August 2026 and will showcase a variety of artwork selected by a judging panel, with a main competition prize of free exhibition space and promotion for three artists in 2027 at The Horton.
It is open to professional and amateur artists living in Surrey, including the former historic Surrey boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Croydon.
Artists must be aged 18 years at the time of entry. Students in current education are eligible to apply.
Submissions must be made ONLINE via the Curator Space Portal between Tuesday 26th May and Monday 8th June 2026. You cannot submit work before this date.
The link to enter will be displayed here from 10.30am on Tuesday 26th May.
- The first round of selection will be made from digital images of artworks. The Royal Academy has produced a very helpful guide to Photographing Your Work if you need some tips.
- Final deadline for entries: Monday 8th June 2026 at midnight.
- If you are successful, we will notify you by email. If your digital image is low quality, we may ask you to deliver your artwork to The Horton for the final round of in-person judging. Date to be confirmed.
- Artists selected to exhibit will be notified in the week beginning 30th June 2026
- Private View Launch Event and Winners Announced 31st July 2026
- Public Exhibition Dates: 1st – 25th August 2026 (closed Sunday and Mondays)
Please note, we can only accept applications through the Curator Space portal.
When the Portal opens for Submissions, please download and read the Terms and Conditions relating to entry before submitting your Work, as they form a contract between you and The Horton.
Why enter?
The selection panel hopes to see an eclectic mix of work by established artists alongside emerging talent and first-time exhibitors. If your work is selected for the Summer Exhibition, you will benefit from:
- A three-week exhibition at a beautiful venue with free parking and a Cafe-Bar on-site.
- Artist’s name and link on our website.
- Outreach to press and media.
- Promotion of the exhibition on The Horton’s social media accounts.
- Printed exhibition leaflets/ posters and price lists.
- Promotional photography and video filmed in the exhibition space.
- Invitation to a Private View launch event.
- Opportunity to sell work – with a 20% + VAT commission (deposit) on sales taken by The Horton to raise funds for the charity.
Making a submission:
The cost of entry is being kept low to reduce barriers to participation. Artists will pay £5 per entry and can enter a maximum of three artworks. (£15) Please note that although you may enter up to three artworks, only one piece may be exhibited per artist.
If your work is selected for the Summer Exhibition, there will be an additional fee of £25 per artist (£10 for full-time students aged under 23) to participate; this goes towards the costs of running and promoting the exhibition and provides you with all the benefits listed above.
Your artwork
- Your work must have been completed in the last five years.
- 2D – must be framed or canvas (no clip frames) with fixings and be a maximum size of 110cm wide x 110cm
- 3D – will be considered but there are fewer spaces available – at a maximum of 100cm wide.
- Artists submitting digital artwork must be able to provide a monitor or projector as required.
- All work for sale should be priced between £100 and £2,000. But you do not have to put your work up for sale.
Watch video interviews filmed at the previous launch events, featuring some of the artists and judges.
