What Makes Us Matter – Open Call

ABOUT THE OPEN CALL: MATTER

We invite you to explore the concept of matter – both the forms that shape your work and a reflection of why we matter as people.
Matter is everywhere: from the texture of objects to the things that bind us together. It is physical form, but also presence, impact, and meaning. How do we interact with matter? How do we transform it – and how does it transform us? From the materials we choose to the ideas we embody, matter is at the heart of all we do.
We are seeking works that interrogate and celebrate matter in all its interpretations. What does matter signify in your practice? Is it about texture, weight, and structure – or about identity, belonging, and significance? Whether your piece examines the elemental, the societal, or the deeply personal, we want to see how you give form to matter.

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 Matter 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.