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Art Gallery

Artist & Maker Opportunities

COLLECTIVA ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2026

The Art of Rural Life

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18-26 April 2026

The inaugural Annual Exhibition will focus on rural life and the beautiful landscape in which we live, here in East Sussex. It is open to artists and makers who feel their work represents this theme in some way. ​​

 

The Annual Exhibition provides a tangible opportunity to celebrate the outstanding and diverse talents within the local creative community in Sussex and further afield. Anybody is welcome to apply to take part in the show. The exhibition is supported by independent experts who help with the selection process. 

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Every show we organise includes an Emerging Talent Gallery, a dedicated section for young artists and artisans with outstanding talent in their particular creative area aged 25 or under. Applications will be presented to the selection panel and chosen accordingly. COLLECTIVA's Founder Members often show their work at the Annual Exhibition, providing an opportunity for mentorship, guidance and advice for our younger exhibitors.​

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Demonstrations of individual crafts are encouraged highlighting unique processes associated with exhibitors' and members' work.

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The show begins on Saturday 18 April and ends on Sunday 26 April:

(Private View: 17 April)

Saturday 18 April - 11am-5pm 

Sunday 19 April - 11am-5pm 

(Closed Monday - Wednesday)

Thursday 23 April - 11am-5pm

Friday 24 April - 11am-5pm 

Saturday 25 April - 11am-5pm 

Sunday 26 April - 11am-5pm ​

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The deadline for submissions is 31 December 2025 and selections made by 4 January 2026.

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A percentage of the profits raised from our exhibitions goes directly to a chosen charity with a meaningful correlation with the theme of that show. The chosen charity for our Annual 2026 is the Farmers Community Network (FCN) which raises awareness and funds to support mental health issues specifically in the farming community. ​​​​​​

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The exhibition is proudly sponsored by:​

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The exhibition is proud to be partnering with:​

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To apply for a place in the COLLECTIVA Annual Exhibition 2026, please complete and submit the form below

Annual Exhibition 2026 Application Form

Thank you for your interest in participating in COLLECTIVA’s Annual Exhibition 2026. Please complete the form below to apply as an artist, artisan or maker.  Applications will be reviewed by our independent selection panel.


Exhibition Details:

  • Title: The Art of Rural Life

  • Location: Longbridge Barn, Church Farm, Litlington, East Sussex

  • Date: 18-26 April 2026

  • Days and Times: 

(Private View: 17 April)

Saturday 18 April - 11am-5pm 

Sunday 19 April - 11am-5pm 

(Closed Monday - Wednesday)

Thursday 23 April - 11am-5pm

Friday 24 April - 11am-5pm 

Saturday 25 April - 11am-5pm 

Sunday 26 April - 11am-5pm 

  • Focus: Showcasing work by artists, artisans and makers with connections to farming and rural life in Sussex.

  • Objective: To showcase work by artists, artisans and makers; to raise funds and awareness for mental health challenges within the farming community, namely the Farming Community Network (FCN)


Participation Terms:

To ensure the success and sustainability of this event, we kindly request the following from participating artists:


  • Collectiva Member: Access, Advocate or Club members are all welcome to apply.

  • Admission Fee: £275 (6 days at £46 per day, including electricity with no hidden costs) per participating artist.

  • Charitable Donation: 10% of the Admission Fee will be donated to FCN (Farming Community Network).

  • Application Fee: 10% (£27.50) is requested at application stage.


(Please see full Terms and Conditions at the foot of this form)


Your involvement in The Art of Rural Life would not only provide a platform for your exceptional work but also contribute significantly to a vital cause. 

Applicant Information

Discipline & Work Details

Is your work available for sale during the exhibition?
Will customers be able to take work away with them on the day of purchase? (If so, it is essential you can provide surplus work to ensure the exhibition continues to look full and interesting.)

Exhibition Preferences

Would you like to be considered for the Emerging Talent Gallery (aged 25 or under)?
Would you like to take part in live craft demonstrations during the exhibition?

Charity Partnership Acknowledgement

Supporting Documents

Please attach the following with your submission:

  • 1 high-quality image of each piece of work you are likely to submit (maximum 6)

  • Artist biography (150–300 words)

  • Artist statement (optional)

Commitment to help promote the event

Declaration

Thank you for applying to COLLECTIVA’s Annual Exhibition 2026. We look forward to reviewing your submission.

Application Fee
£27.5

Collectiva X Farleys Farmhouse
Partnership

I am so happy to report that COLLECTIVA will be partnering with Farleys Farmhouse while we together curate an art fair in 2026, which will take place in the Lee Miller Gallery at Farleys. 

More news about how to be involved in this special show will be posted on our Instagram account (collectiva_community) and on our website in the coming months. 

 

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