Live Opportunities

What Makes Us Magyck – Open Call

ABOUT THE OPEN CALL: MAGYCK

We want to know where you find magic in your life and how you explore it in your art.

Magic means different things to different people – from the beauty in the everyday and the world around us to fantasy, illusion, and the extraordinary – magic is an interaction with the unknown. Whether it’s through culture, folklore, rituals, community, love, or nature, magic, like art, is subjective. So we invite you to reflect on what it means to you and how it comes alive in your creative practice.

We are seeking works that capture the essence of magic in all its forms. Who does magic belong to? Where is it found? How does it shape your process? Whether your piece conjures fantastical worlds, otherworldly forms, a sense of wonder, or moments of transformation—we want to see where you find the magic in your artwork.

WHAT MAKES US

Coinciding with FUSEBOX’s reopening, “What Makes Us?” explores what makes us magical, what makes us matter, and what makes us queer.

This large-scale Open Call Exhibition launches in late January 2026, featuring 75 artists across three themes: Magyck, Matter, and Queer.

The exhibition will unfold across three zones within FUSEBOX, reflecting its spirit as a space that matters, is magical, and is proudly queer-safe. Our aim: to reopen and reconnect FUSEBOX with the local community.

Applications are free, and there is no charge if your work is selected.

We’re also delighted to announce that two exhibiting artists will be awarded a bursary of £1000 to complete a 6 week residency in FUSEBOX, concluding in a Solo Exhibition in Spring 2026. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Please note that applications are free and there is no charge if your work is selected.
  • This open call is open to all visual art mediums. Applicants may only submit 1 piece of work per person.
  • Successful artists have the opportunity to sell their artwork. This is up to the discretion of the artist – please note that FUSEBOX will not take any commission for the sale of artworks.
  • Successful applicants can expect to hear back from us by Friday 9 January 2026. If you have not received an email from Creative Youth by this date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
  • We welcome artwork applications across all visual art disciplines.
  • Artists may apply for one, two, or all three themes

Apply for Magyck Open Call

KEY DATES

Application Deadline: Tuesday 6 January 2026, 23:59

Location: FUSEBOX, 2 Bucklands Wharf, Thames Side, Kingston, KT1 1TF

Artwork Drop Off Dates: Wed 28 Jan, Thurs 29 Jan, Fri 30 Jan & Wed 4 Feb (12pm – 6pm)

Exhibition Run: 6 February – 27 February 2026

For further questions: archie@creativeyouthcharity.org 

This Open Call Exhibition and the Artist Residencies are generously supported by Arts Council England.