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IWOS 2026 Showcase Exhibition at Quay Arts - Applications Opening 16th Feb

We’re really pleased to confirm that applications for the IW Open Studios 2026 Showcase Exhibition at Quay Arts will open on Monday 16th February 2026.

This exhibition in Quay Arts' West Gallery space is a significant moment in the IW Open Studios calendar. It brings together participating artists from across the Island in a professionally curated gallery setting, building momentum ahead of Open Studios event (15–25 May 2026) and offering visitors an early glimpse of the breadth and strength of work taking place this year.

For many artists, the Showcase becomes the starting point of their Open Studios journey - a chance to present a single, strong piece in a shared exhibition context, meet fellow exhibitors at the opening event, and position their work in front of Quay Arts’ established audiences.

Key Dates

• Application Form Opens: Monday 16 February 2026
• Application Deadline: Monday 16 March (11:59pm)
• Artwork Drop-Off: 8 & 9 April (9:30am–4pm)
• Exhibition Opens: Saturday 18 April
• Opening Event (for exhibiting artists, sponsors & press only): Monday 20 April, 6–8pm 
• Exhibition Closes: Saturday 30 May
• Artwork Collection: Sunday 31 May, 10am–2pm

Registration is made directly via the Quay Arts website: https://www.quayarts.org/event/isle-of-wight-open-studios-showcase/

PLEASE NOTE: Make sure that your application and payment are completed at the same time, as incomplete submissions caused delays last year.

What to Expect

Artwork drop-off takes place at Quay Arts, where you’ll check in with the Arts Team, unwrap your work, and complete a condition check together. Work must arrive exhibition-ready with appropriate fixings, and all packaging must be taken away on the day as there is no storage on site.

Quay Arts will process sales during the exhibition. After the Showcase closes, payments will be transferred to IWOS and then distributed to artists. If a buyer requests shipping, this will be arranged directly between artist and buyer - Quay Arts will manage in-person collection of sold works from the showcase but cannot ship work or store pieces beyond the official collection date.

The Showcase Exhibition sets the tone for the weeks that follow. It’s the moment the Island’s creative community gathers under one roof - painters alongside printmakers, ceramicists next to photographers, established names alongside first-time participants. It creates a sense of shared energy before studio doors open across the Island in May.

We’re looking forward to seeing a strong, confident selection of work for 2026.

Further reminders will follow via our newsletters when the application portal goes live on 16th February via Quay Arts - make sure to sign up and keep an eye on your inbox (and check spam just in case)!

Venue Address: Quay Arts, 15 Sea St, Newport PO30 5BD
Website: https://www.quayarts.org
Email contact: a.french@quayarts.org

Image: IWOS Showcase Exhibition 2025, Quay Arts West Gallery. Photo by Julian Winslow.