FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have created a list of frequently asked questions by artists applying to our international open call to make the application process easier than ever.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

  • 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.

    • Free regional drop offs, to help UK-based artists save on transport costs.

    • Pack & Send, our new dedicated international shipping partner.

    • Brand new panel of industry experts.

    • Two stage judging process.

    • The Director’s Cut, providing shortlisted artists the chance to be part of an exciting online exhibition.

    • New Public Art Trail, giving opportunities for artists interested in showcasing large-scale print installations.

  • Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair continues to push the boundaries of contemporary print and be a platform to showcase innovations in the medium.

    We are working with local landlords and partners to take the Fair beyond the walls of the 4-day event to operate a free public art initiative across the locale with large-scale, immersive and sculptural pieces taking centre stage.

    Each work will still have a core remit of contemporary original print.

  • 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 5 minutes. Simply apply on the portal via our website from 01 April 2024.

  • 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 2024 via our website.

  • You must submit your full application by 23:59 (GMT) on 26 May 2024.

  • Within the application you must provide:

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

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

    • Dimensions in cm (framed & unframed)

    • Prices (framed & unframed)

    • Number of editions available for sale

  • 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 | £30.00 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 WCPF24, 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 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.

INSTALLATIONS

  • Simply apply via the same open call application portal on our website.

  • Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair continues to push the boundaries of contemporary print and be a platform to showcase innovations in the medium.

    We are working with local landlords and partners to take the Fair beyond the walls of the 4-day event to operate a free public art initiative across the locale with large-scale, immersive and sculptural pieces taking centre stage.

    Each work will still have a core remit of contemporary original print.

  • There will be an opportunity to showcase installation through the Fair and wider artist opportunities beyond the Fair, but we unfortunately do not have an installation award at this time.

ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES

  • If successful, applicants will have the opportunity to:

    • Be exposed to a new and engaged audience, attracting new clientele

    • Be scouted for representation by leading galleries and specialists in print, exhibiting at WCPF

    • Sell work to international audiences via The Online Edition x Artsy offering

    • Receive prestigious prizes and recognition

    • Take part in live artist talks and demonstrations

  • Our mission is to foster emerging talent through the early arduous days of their career. In line with this, we have created an Art & Business programme: a series of free online events for our open call applicants to learn practical skills to further their careers.

    ALL applicants to the 2024 Artist Open Call will receive access to online seminars and workshops led by the industry pros, such as:

    • How to get the most from artist residencies

    • How to price artworks and selling tips

    • How to market yourself as an artist

QUESTIONS?

  • You can contact us via email.