Exhibitions

The Black Swan Arts Open 2026 brings together artists and makers working across all disciplines and media, selected by a distinguished panel from across the contemporary arts, alongside a range of generous prizes and awards.

The Open is Black Swan Arts’ flagship exhibition, bringing together artists at different stages of their careers from the region and beyond. Founded in 1986, Black Swan Arts has played a central role in Frome’s cultural life for four decades, and this year’s Open marks the organisation’s 40th anniversary.

The 2026 Open has been selected by a carefully chosen panel of guest judges, independent of the organisation’s Board and Programming Group, bringing a thoughtful, open-minded and rigorous approach to the selection process.

Selected works will be exhibited in the Long Gallery at Black Swan Arts from Saturday 8th August to Sunday 27th September 2026.

2026 Selection Panel
Dea Vanagan – Senior Director, Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Gemma Brace – Head of Exhibitions, Arnolfini
Molly Martin – Artist and Writer
Martyn Cross – Artist
Hamish Young – Artist and President of the RWA

Prizes include:
£1,500 First Prize supported by Hauser & Wirth Somerset
£500 Lynda Pelly Prize for an Artist Under 30
Black Swan Arts Solo Exhibition
Rabley Gallery Print Prize
J.M. Smith Framing Prize
Kobi & Teal Exhibiting Prize

The selection panel has now chosen the exhibiting artists and all applicants have been notified. If you have any queries, please contact office@blackswanarts.org.uk

Sam Heath
Lead Curator, Black Swan Arts Open 2026

MAGIS XL the encore to THINK XL, showcases 40 artworks generously donated by 40 artists each with a connection to Black Swan Arts to continue its 40th anniversary celebrations.

This major fundraising exhibition builds on the success of April’s THINK XL when many artists responded to personal requests to gift artwork for the benefit of the arts centre.  Initially a single exhibition was planned, however with two thirds of the artworks sold, word spread of the exhibition and more artists offered to donate their artwork. By mid May the idea for a second exhibition was underway.

MAGIS XL is exhibiting artwork; ceramics, glasswork, paintings, photographs and sculpture from Frome and regionally based artists who are nationally and internationally recognised in their fields, including donations from Christopher Bucklow, Ian Marlow MRSS, Bruce Munro, Sandra Porter RWA, Patricia Volk FRSS.

100% of sales with build on over £3000 raised from THINK XL, with the aim to at least double the total, all of which will support a secure future of Frome’s first centre for visual arts.