Each year, the AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call brings together a diverse range of artists, celebrating ambitious and skillful practices!
We’re revisiting our Overall Winner and Highly Commended artist from our Open Call in 2025 and asking them to reflect on open calls and what it means to have their work seen in these kind of platforms.
ROWLAND HILL
Open Call Exhibition Winner 2025
Instagram: @row.land.hill Website: www.rowland-hill.com
- What is the importance of events like the Comme Ça Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?
Firstly I think the fact that anyone can submit their work for consideration is an important and necessary part of the arts ecosystem. There is a clarity to the process of submitting to an open call which I enjoy: it does not require any insider knowledge. Open calls typically showcase a much broader range of art than conventionally curated shows, and therefore reach a wider audience outside of typical networks and circles. The experience can throw up unexpected encounters and fresh ways of seeing things. They are also a good opportunity to sell work, something I have been admittedly slow to learn! And finally it’s important to say that Comme Ça Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition is very generous with its prizes, an enormous asset for artists in the North West.
- What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?
I respected the judging panel and knew that the exhibition would be of a strong calibre. I’m often wary of open calls with tenuous themes or narratives so was pleased to see that it was judged on the quality of work. I also know of some artists at AWOL so my curiosity was peaked and I was keen to extend my network and engage with new audiences in Manchester.
- Do you have any advice for artists entering an Open Call?
Think about what you’re aiming for and tailor your submission accordingly. My aim was to exhibit a side of my practice that’s pretty new and hasn’t had much exposure, and to see how it landed with people. Also to give myself a bit of a deadline to get some work finished that I could feel myself procrastinating on. But your aim could be any number of things and, if the feeling’s right, is worth spending a tenner on.
I have learnt the hard way that there is no point in being timid about these things or watering yourself down. Your job as an artist is to unapologetically make the most “you” work you can possibly make. And then to share it with other people.
SMART BARNETT
Open Call Exhibition Highly Commended 2025
Instagram: @smart_barnett Website: www.smartbarnett.co.uk
- What is the importance of events like the Comme Ça Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?
Events like the Comme Ça Art x AWOL Studios call are so important because they create a visible, professional platform for artists to share work beyond their usual circle. These events also make space for a real sense of artistic community.
It’s also a really accessible opportunity for artists at all stages.. Wonderful for making new connections with artists and the people in and around our world. For a lot of artists, an open call can be the thing that helps turn private studio practice into public momentum, which is what happened in my case, all those years ago.
I found the exhibition had such an incredible mix of mediums and the quality of work was top notch – it really inspired me and boosted my confidence to be involved. A wonderful experience.
2. What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?
What appealed to me about this Open Call was that it felt like a genuine opportunity to place my work in front of people who are engaged with contemporary art, while also being rooted in Manchester and the wider regional arts community.
For personal reasons, I was keen to place my work beyond the spaces where it’s often immediately categorised as “Queer Art” or “Textile Art”, and instead bring it to a broader fine art audience.
3. Do you have any advice for artists entering an Open Call
Submit the work that feels strongest and most truthful to your practice. Don’t overthink whether it’s “right” — focus on presenting it clearly, following the guidance carefully.
I’ve entered open calls before and struggled to decide which piece or pieces to enter. In that situation I put myself into ‘art’ mode.. An unthinking place where I am driven by intuition and thoughtless drive.. Then I can listen to my gut instinct and decide which to go for. One usually drifts to the top.
I’m always a perfectionist when it comes to making good images of my artwork, they are incredibly valuable – especially for use in exhibition applications.
Try not to overthink the blurb either – just write a few sentences or words about the piece or about yourself – be honest – make yourself vulnerable.. You can edit stuff later on to make it sound more intelligent and ‘proper’.. But leave the interesting stuff that makes you feel uncomfortable in there!
Comme Ca x AWOL Studios Open Call 2026
Deadline: Monday 27th April (midnight)
More info + how to enter: HERE
