What Makes Us Queer – Open Call

ABOUT THE OPEN CALL: QUEER

We invite artists to explore queerness in all its complexity – bold, beautiful, and unapologetic.

Queerness is more than identity; it is a way of seeing, being, and creating. It challenges norms, celebrates difference, and reimagines the world through radical self-expression.

What does queerness mean to you? How does it shape your practice, your perspective, your community? Whether your work is intimate or political, celebratory or confrontational, we welcome pieces that honour the spectrum of queer experience and affirm the voices that refuse to be silenced.

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 Queer 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.