We’re still feeling the buzz after Friday night’s Private View for the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition 2025. This marks our fourth year running the Open Call, and it’s safe to say it has grown into one of the highlights of our calendar.
What began as a simple idea to give something back to Manchester’s creative community has evolved into a much-anticipated event that continues to inspire and connect artists, curators, and audiences. The atmosphere at the Private View was incredible, with a packed gallery and an outpouring of support for the exhibiting artists.
A huge thank you to Claire and Jordan from Comme Ca Art, and David and Jude from AWOL Studios, for their tireless work behind the scenes. This exhibition wouldn’t happen without your dedication and vision.
We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to this year’s judges, Mike Chavez Dawson, Fiona Corridan, and Jessica Bennett, for generously lending their time and expertise to select this year’s exhibiting artists.
Congratulations to our award recipients:
- Overall Winner: Rowland Hill
- Highly Commended: Smart Barnett
- Mentorship Award: Charlotte May (recipient of a one-to-one mentorship session with Mike Chavez Dawson)
And a big congratulations to all 18 selected artists:
Finn O’Rourke, Fiona Young, Susan Gunn, Amy Russell, Gordon Dalton, Smart Barnett, Julie Cassels, Florian Houlker, Rowland Hill, Charlotte May, Fleur Yearsley, Emma Donald, Craig Delaney, Peter James Houghton, Mahrokh Mofidnakhaei, Peter Hanmer, Angela Tait, Ruby Tingle
The exhibition is now open to the public:
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 11am–4pm (by appointment claire@commecaart.com)
Saturdays: 11am–2pm
Final open date: Saturday 28 June 2025
We encourage everyone to come and experience this brilliant showcase of Northern contemporary talent.
Comme Ca Art Gallery
5th Floor, Hope Mill, 113 Pollard St, Manchester M4 7JA
