Open Call: 10 Years of SET Exhibition

This September, SET turns 10. For a decade, we’ve worked to turn vacant buildings into places where people can make, exhibit, and gather. From artist studios and exhibition spaces to music venues and community projects, our centres have always been about keeping creative space genuinely affordable, inclusive, and accessible in a city that constantly prices people out.

But as much as we love our spaces, the buildings are really just the canvas. SET has always been defined by the people inside them. That’s why, to mark this milestone, this autumn we’re putting together a special anniversary programme across our sites, celebrating everyone who’s made SET what it is today.

Anchoring this programme is a new group exhibition at SET Vauxhall from 25 September to 4 October, and we’re inviting current and former SET studio holders to submit work. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and this show is conceived as a snapshot of the work, ideas, and histories that have shaped this community and our spaces over the last ten years.

Apply now

Theme

Rather than setting a single theme, this exhibition is about bringing together ten years of artistic practice and community under one roof. We want to show the full breadth of what’s been created across our centres over the last decade, so submissions are open to anything,  past or present, as long as it works for a public display.

Format & guidelines

To fit as many artists into the space as possible, we’re asking everyone to stick to a simple format:

  • Dimensions: Maximum A4 (21 x 30 cm).
  • Mediums: 2D and 3D works are welcome (3D pieces must still fit within the A4 height and width limit).
  • All works must be wall-hanging and arrive pre-fitted ready to hang, with fixtures already attached to the back.
  • 1 submission per artist.
  • Please note: We are unable to accept moving image, audio, or screen-based works for this exhibition.

Eligibility & logistics

  • Open to current and former SET studio members only.
  • Applicants must be able to hand-deliver and collect their work in person at SET Vauxhall on the dates below. There is no storage space on site, so dropping off and picking up work on time is essential.

Key dates

  • Application Deadline: Sunday 16 August, 23:59pm
  • Selection Decisions: Sunday 30 August
  • Artwork Drop-off & Installation: Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 September (10:00 – 18:00)
  • Public Opening Event: Friday 25 September
  • Exhibition Dates: 26 September – Sunday 4 October
  • Artwork Collection: Monday 5 & Tuesday 6 October (10:00 – 18:00)

How to apply

There are no submission fees for this open call.

Please submit your application via our Online Application Form.

Before starting your application, please make sure you have the following ready:

  1. Details of your current or former studio site and studio number
  2. Artwork title, year, medium, and exact dimensions.
  3. Up to 2 clear images of the work (JPEG or PNG, max XX MB per file).
  4. A brief description of the work (max 100 words).
  5. Artist statement (max 100 words).
  6. Links to your website portfolio and/or social media handles if applicable.

Deadline for submissions is Sunday 16 August, 23:59pm.

Apply now