OPEN 2025 at Grundy Art Gallery

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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OPEN 2025

Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool
18 January-8 March 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Open 2025: Annual Open Submission Exhibition. A close up of the artworks, a small tapestry piece, two printed graphics, an abstract piece, and a watercolour painting.
Grundy Art Gallery
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Grundy Art Gallery once again celebrates local talent showcased at the annual OPEN exhibition and with the number of submissions increasing each year, the 2025 edition promises to be more varied than ever.

There is no selection process so anybody over the age of 16 can take part in the exhibition, as long as they live in the Fylde coast area. The work must have been made in the last 12 months, not shown at Grundy before and there’s no fee to enter either which makes the show even more accessible for all those who want to take part. The result is a display that usually features painting, sculpture, photography, sound, mixed media art amongst other techniques, and really showcases the creativity of local makers.

Open 2025: Annual Open Submission Exhibition. A salon of over 100 artworks from local residents fills the space in Gallery 2.
Grundy Art Gallery

The rules of the OPEN exhibition are in line with Grundy Art Gallery’s founding principles of showing the ‘art of the day’ and echoing Blackpool’s motto of ‘progress’. By only including the most recent works from the participating artists, visitors get a taste of the artists’ current thinking and ideas.

The artworks are exhibited in the chronological order in which they are dropped off, making for interestingly organic curation and unexpected relationships between the works on display.

You don’t need to know anything about art to enjoy an exhibition like OPEN 2025 – the artworks are diverse enough for everyone to find something special to spend a few moments with. At its heart, the show is a celebration of Blackpool’s artists and for audiences, it’s a great way to admire their talent and learn more about the things that most fascinate local creatives. 

Bring your family, bring your friends and visit Grundy Art Gallery to take a look around OPEN 2025.

Accessibility

  • British Sign Language
  • Relaxed

Where to go near OPEN 2025 at Grundy Art Gallery

Hauze Blackpool
Blackpool
Restaurant
Hauze

Dishing up European plates with plenty of fusion flare, Blackpool’s glitzy restaurant Hauze offers an extensive list of sushi alongside a selection of build-your-own burgers, and many a cocktail.

Abingdon Studios
Blackpool
Gallery
Abingdon Studios

Abingdon Studios is a contemporary visual art studios and project space based in the heart of Blackpool Town Centre.

ARTB&B Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
ART B&B Blackpool

ART B&B Blackpool is a brand new hotel on Blackpool seafront with 18 different themed rooms, curated by leading UK artists.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Blackpool
Hotel
ART B&B

Situated in a classic Victorian seafront hotel, beautifully and completely renovated by 30 contemporary artists, ART B&B allows you to support the arts while you sleep.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Lancashire
Music venue
Bootleg Social

The live-music venue and bar is a hidden gem, standing out against the technicolour nightlife of Blackpool with its own understated edge.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

La Fontana
Blackpool
Restaurant
La Fontana

This cosy, family-run trattoria is perfect for couples and families alike, pairing lovingly-prepared plates of Italian classics with twinkling fairy lights, roman pillars and a fountain.

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