FAQ: British Art Fair x PensionBee Open Call
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply?
Artists aged 50 or over who have worked, lived, or studied in the UK at any point in their education or career. We welcome artists at any stage — emerging, mid-career, or established — and actively encourage submissions from artists of all backgrounds and identities.
Are there restrictions on medium or artwork size?
We can accept any medium that can be hung on a wall or displayed on a plinth. Works must not exceed 1.5m × 2m (any orientation). Please also note that works referencing gambling or weapons will not be considered, due to the nature of the fair.
Do works need to have been made recently?
Yes — please submit works made within the last five years.
Do works need to be available for sale?
Yes. Works must be available for sale and not reserved at the time of the fair to be considered for selection.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
How many works can I submit?
A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 works.
What do I need to include in my submission?
Please include:
— Artist details: full name, age, date of birth, location, and a short biography (max. 250 words)
— 3–5 images with captions, including medium, dimensions, year made, and price if applicable
— A narrative statement of 200–300 words explaining how your work and story relate to the exhibition's themes
— Links to your website and social media (optional)
— An artist portfolio under 10MB (optional)
— CV or exhibition history (please note if self-taught)
— Gallery representation, if applicable (optional)
SELECTION
Who selects the works?
The exhibition's curator, Jo McLaughlin, selects the works. Five artists will be chosen via the open call to show alongside works from established and represented peers put forward by galleries showing at the fair.
What is the selection based on?
Selection is based on both artistic quality and narrative strength — work that stands on its own terms, alongside a story that speaks honestly about the path that led here. The panel will consider how lived experience informs the work, the clarity and authenticity of the artist's voice, and the visual and conceptual quality of the proposed works.
CONTENT PRODUCTION
What is the content production commitment?
As this exhibition forms part of PensionBee's "Born to Retire" campaign, selected artists will be asked to participate in content production during July 2026. This may include a studio visit or short filmed interview. Only 2 -3 artists will be selected for recording. Participation will be fully supported by the PensionBee team. Artists must be available and open to filming during the week of 6 or 13 July 2026, though if these dates do not work, there is the possibility of filming later in July.
LOGISTICS AND DELIVERY
Where do I deliver my work?
Works should be sent to our shipping partner, The British Shop, at their depot in either Slough or London Bridge. They will consolidate all works into a single consignment for delivery and installation at the Saatchi Gallery.
What are the delivery and collection dates?
Works must arrive at the depot by 16 September 2026 — up to two weeks before the fair opens on 24 September. If your work is unsold at the end of the fair, you can arrange collection from the Slough or London Bridge depot within two weeks of the fair closing on 27 September.
Who handles delivery and collection?
Artists are responsible for delivering their work to The British Shop's depot in either Slough or London Bridge. Return collection is also the artist's responsibility, within two weeks of the fair closing. Collection happens from The British Shop’s despot in either Slough or London Bridge. If selected, you will work closely with the exhibitors curator when arranging delivery an collection, the curator is here to help make this process as least stressful as possible.
Who handles installation and hanging?
British Art Fair covers the cost and labour of all installation. Overhead lighting will be
provided. If you require specialist lighting, please highlight this in the "Additional information"
section of your application.
How much exhibition space will each artist receive?
The exhibition area is 25sqm and will contain 20 artworks. Space allocated to each artist will depend on the dimensions of the work selected. How the exhibition is hung will be led by the curator.
ATTENDING THE FAIR
Do I need to be present at the fair?
No — you are not expected to be onsite throughout the fair. The curator will be present to promote and sell the works. You are welcome to attend as a visitor, but you do not need to invigilate.The one occasion you are asked to be present is the Friday Late and PensionBee drinks reception on 25 September, 6–9pm. However, this is not mandatory.
SALES AND COMMISSION
What commission rate applies to sales?
The Curator will retain 30% of all sales made. The artist will retain 70%.
THE CURATOR
Who is the curator?
The exhibition is curated by Jo McLaughlin, a London based art historian, curator and podcaster.
What is the curator's role?
Each selected artist will work closely with Jo throughout the process. She will select the works, be your main point of contact for the fair, and is here to guide and support you from selection through to opening.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
Who do I contact if I have a question not answered here?
Please contact Laura Archer at The British Art Fair at laura@ramsayfairs.com