Open Call: Letters to Tomorrow
As we prepare for a summer of celebrating Portsmouth’s 100 year anniversary as a recognised city, Aspex Portsmouth is excited to announce we will be hosting an Open Exhibition in our communal space this summer. We are inviting people from Portsmouth and Hampshire to submit art work that responds to the title Letters to Tomorrow. Resonating themes in our main gallery exhibition 2126: What If? by artists Matt Westbrook, Alice Hume, Maria de la O’Garido, Letters to Tomorrow asks our community to think about the future of our city a hundred years from now and what they might hope to see change, grow or remain the same.
We welcome all abilities, ages and levels of artistic experience in this open call. Whether a professional artist, or a keen creative we want to hear your views, hopes and dreams for the future of our city. Please read on for more details about how to submit your application.
Key Dates & Timeline
Online Submission Opens: Monday 11 May 2026
Online Submission Closes: Sunday 21 June 2026
Selection Results: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Handing-in/delivery dates at Aspex: Wednesday 8 July 2026 – Sunday 12 July 2026
Exhibition: 29 July 2026 – 20 September 2026
How to Apply
To apply you must complete our Google submission form here
- The closing date for applications is Monday 7 May 2007. Submissions received after this date will not be eligible for selection.
- You will be contacted by Wednesday 1 July if your submission has been successful. If you have not heard by this date please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
- Successful applicants will be responsible for delivering work to Aspex by 12 July. If not possible, you must arrange and cover all delivery and return costs to and from Aspex. Aspex cannot organise delivery or returns, and responsibility for safe transport rests with the artist. It is at the artist’s discretion to insure artworks during transit.
- All artworks should not exceed 1 metre (h) x 1 metre (w), (framed).
- Artworks selected need to be framed or have a clear method of hanging – Please see the document ‘How to have your artwork exhibition ready’ for more guidance.
All applicants to Letters to Tomorrow will be invited to attend a preview of the exhibition on Wednesday 29 July at 6pm
Successful applicants are responsible for the collection of their work once the exhibition has closed on Monday 21st September 2026 as agreed with the Curator. Aspex will not be responsible for returning any work to artists.
Uncollected work will be held at the gallery for a maximum of 1 month, after which time it will be disposed of.