Artist & Maker’s Open Call | Precious Things
Deadline: 8pm, Wednesday 27th May 2026
As the earth’s resources are decreasing, our production of waste increases and more and more of that waste is entering the natural environment. The continuous habit of “take, make and waste” is no longer sustainable. Instead, we must move towards a more circular approach, where waste is reimagined as a ‘precious thing’; far too valuable to discard.
Precious Things will show how artists, makers, students and communities, can work together to inspire change through creative practice.
The Project: Precious Things
Launching on 11 July 2026, this two-year project will begin with a thought-provoking exhibition featuring work that challenges perceptions of waste and highlights the circular potential of materials such as plastic, textiles, paper, and glass.
This exhibition marks the start of a two-year programme including:
– A seminar series
– Workshops
– A community and higher education outreach programme
– The creation and development of a Sustainable Artist Network across Wales
The programme will culminate in a Sustainable Makers Market at Mission Gallery in October 2027.
The Aim
A key ambition of the project is to kick-start a pan-Wales, peer-led artist network that will support experienced and newly qualified artists alike by sharing good practice, encouraging the development of new work, collaboration, and the organising of future exhibitions and marketing opportunities.
Get Involved (Mailing List)
If you are interested in sustainability and would like to:
Attend workshops and seminars
Learn about future opportunities, such as: The Sustainable Makers Market in October 2027 and The Sustainable Artist/Maker Network
Please email: project.preciousthings@gmail.com
Subject line: Add to Mailing List
Open Call Opportunities
We are inviting artists and makers, whose use of waste materials is a central concern within their practice, to get involved in one or more of the following ways:
Exhibit: Submit small works with brief descriptions for the “Space of Waste”, a dedicated area for:
– Material experiments
– Research findings
– Works in progress
– Examples of techniques and processes
(Please note: Works must fit within a 40 x 40cm space).
Talk: Expressing interest in presenting a short talk about your work at one of the seminars.
Workshops: Propose a workshop you would like to run that creatively explores the use of waste materials, suitable for young people, adults and/or the wider public.
Sell: Sending images and prices of craft and design products that are made from waste and that could be sold in the gallery shop on a sale or return basis.
Please note:
There will be a selection process for all the above opportunities.
Fees are available for running a workshop or speaking at a seminar.
How to Apply
Exhibit:
Information needed:
– Description of work to be included in ‘Space of Waste’ (max. 50 words)
– Artist statement (max. 100 words)
– High-resolution images
– Website/social media link(s)
Talk:
Information needed:
– Artist statement
– Link to website/social media
– Brief description of what you’d like to talk about.
– Possible discussion themes: Staying hopeful / What happens to our recycling / Net Zero art practice / waste and nature / climate action / art & science collaborations
Workshops:
Information needed:
-Workshop proposal (max 500 words)
– Artist statement (max 100 words)
– Highlight teaching experience (max 100 words)
– Website/social media link(s)
Sell:
-Artist Statement
-High-res images of works you’d like to include within the shop
-Pricelist with descriptions and retail price
-Link to website/social media
Deadline: 8pm, Wednesday 27th May 2026
Please send your application to:
project.preciousthings@gmail.com
With one or more of the following subject headings:
Precious Things: Exhibit
Precious Things: Talk
Precious Things: Workshops
Precious Things: Sell
Additional notes:
If you have any questions or queries with regards to this open call, please contact:
Precious Things | project.preciousthings@gmail.com
If your application is successful, work will need to be delivered to the gallery by no later than 27 June 2026.
Please be aware Mission Gallery is open from Wednesday to Saturday only.
