ARTIST OPEN CALL | The 2020s: Sacred Brands and Disposable Icons, Presented With Limited Ad Interruptions
Type
Biennial/Festival, Exhibition
Category
Conceptual, Installation, Mixed Media
Status
Archived
Deadline
April 10, 2026
Application Fee
Free
Host
Roxanne
Location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Now accepting artists to participate in The 2020s: Sacred Brands and Disposable Gods, Presented With Limited Ad Interruptions. This exhibition is part of Fringe Arts Bath Festival 2026.
Exhibition Concept
The exhibition will be structured as a history exhibition on the 2020s, imagined as if it was created by a society in the far distant future with limited knowledge of our time. Imagine a society as far removed from us as we are from the Babylonians; what fragments of us would remain and how would those pieces be molded to construct the narratives of the distant future?
About Fringe Arts Bath
Fringe Arts Bath (FaB) is a test-bed for new ideas, a platform for early-career curators & artists, and those who prefer to operate outside of the gallery-based arts scene. FaB aims to raise the profile of contemporary visual arts in Bath and beyond. FaB festival is a free, 2 week festival putting art in unusual places in unexpected ways for people to happen across and interact with, with exhibitions, interventions and events based in Bath, UK.
Creative Prompt for Artists
Imagine you are an archeologist in the future. Reinterpret and mis-imagine relics for a history exhibit on the historical period of the 2020s. Were the Hollywood Stars a memorial to fallen soldiers? Were minions household spirits? Artists are invited to playfully explore the biased and messy nature of writing history by creating objects, images, performances or text that mis-interpret or mythologize the 2020s as seen by a future culture. I am interested in seeing both works of art that question and challenge current societal power structures and norms and works that present an optimistic view of the present day, celebrating the innovation and creativity of our modern world. The Nestle company could be understood as a powerful political and military force using slave labor, similar to how the East India Company is understood today, highlighting the way consumers mentally separate the sweets produced from their unethical production practices. Social media could be understood as a literal drug, imagining pubs banning public use of social media because of the second-hand slop, and understanding brain rot as a physical disease.
What I’m Looking For
I'm looking for proposals that demonstrate deep thinking on the themes of the exhibition and the willingness to be playful and experiment with their ideas. I'm open to a variety of artistic mediums including but not limited to any kind of object, image, performance or text. I’m especially excited by works of art that immerse the audience in a tactile way. For example, I would love to see a “replica” of what future historians think a bar from the 2020s looked like. Although I am open to multi-media art that includes a filmed component, I will not accept any virtual reality proposals or anything that would require visitors to wear a VR headset. I encourage artists to seek inspiration from history museums, renaissance fairs, resources for the public at historical sites, and themed amusement park rides. A successful proposal will include clear evidence of deep thinking on themes of the exhibition and exciting ideas that the artist has the skillset to make happen.
What Mediums of Art Will Be Accepted
I will consider all approaches using any material you can think of, including these and many more; oil paint, woodblock print, lino print, collage, audio files, 3D printer files, paper sculpture, slip cast ceramics, found objects, journaling, performance, photography, AI generated (please state if this is the case), a website, finger painting, mechanical sculpture… absolutely anything you can think of. The one exception to this is virtual reality experiences. I will not accept any virtual reality proposals or anything that would require visitors to wear a VR headset.
Timeline, Eligibility and Fees
March/April 2026: Artists selected
April 2026: Artists will receive a contract
15-22 May 2026: Exhibition set-up
22 May 2026 (6pm-late): FaB Festival Preview/Opening Night Arty Party
23 May-6 June 2026: Fringe Arts Bath Festival
7 June: All work removed and spaces cleared
Everyone can submit, from anywhere in the world. Deadline Fri 10 April 2026 at 23:59 GMT. It’s free to apply. If you are selected, FaB will ask for a £25 contribution and some of your time.
Application Requirements
Please fill out the form through the website. There is space on the form to include media of your previous artwork, to describe relevant previous experience, and include a CV. Feel free to include anything that you feel may aid in your application but don’t worry if you don’t include something for every section, your application will still be considered! The only parts of the application that are absolutely required is your contact information and the proposal described below.
Please submit a proposal responding to the “Creative Prompt for Artists” listed above in approximately 500 words including two or more ideas of what image, text, object, performance, or multi-media artwork you would be interested in contributing to this exhibition. You can submit as a PDF, a powerpoint, a video or an audiofile.
Selection Criteria and Decision Process
I'm looking for proposals that demonstrate deep thinking on the themes of the exhibition and the willingness to be playful and experiment with their ideas. I'm open to a variety of artistic mediums including but not limited to any kind of object, image, performance or text. I’m especially excited by works of art that immerse the audience in a tactile way. For example, I would love to see a “replica” of what future historians think a bar from the 2020s looked like. Although I am open to multi-media art that includes a filmed component, I will not accept any virtual reality proposals or anything that would require visitors to wear a VR headset. I encourage artists to seek inspiration from history museums, renaissance fairs, resources for the public at historical sites, and themed amusement park rides. A successful proposal will include clear evidence of deep thinking on themes of the exhibition and exciting ideas that the artist has the skillset to make happen.
What Happens If Selected
If selected you will be a part of a vibrant community of artists in a festival taking place all across Bath. Last year FaB attracted an audience of around 8,500 visitors. You will also receive support and guidance on preparing your art for the exhibition. There is also funding available for some art supplies through the Fringe Arts Bath Festival if needed.
Weblinks and Further Information
Exhibition Page on Fringe Arts Bath website: https://www.fringeartsbath.co.uk/brands
Fringe Arts Bath Website: fringeartsbath.co.uk
FaB instagram: instagram.com/fringeartsbath
FaB Facebook: facebook.com/fringeartsbath
FaB X: x.com/FringeArtsBath
Exhibition Concept
The exhibition will be structured as a history exhibition on the 2020s, imagined as if it was created by a society in the far distant future with limited knowledge of our time. Imagine a society as far removed from us as we are from the Babylonians; what fragments of us would remain and how would those pieces be molded to construct the narratives of the distant future?
About Fringe Arts Bath
Fringe Arts Bath (FaB) is a test-bed for new ideas, a platform for early-career curators & artists, and those who prefer to operate outside of the gallery-based arts scene. FaB aims to raise the profile of contemporary visual arts in Bath and beyond. FaB festival is a free, 2 week festival putting art in unusual places in unexpected ways for people to happen across and interact with, with exhibitions, interventions and events based in Bath, UK.
Creative Prompt for Artists
Imagine you are an archeologist in the future. Reinterpret and mis-imagine relics for a history exhibit on the historical period of the 2020s. Were the Hollywood Stars a memorial to fallen soldiers? Were minions household spirits? Artists are invited to playfully explore the biased and messy nature of writing history by creating objects, images, performances or text that mis-interpret or mythologize the 2020s as seen by a future culture. I am interested in seeing both works of art that question and challenge current societal power structures and norms and works that present an optimistic view of the present day, celebrating the innovation and creativity of our modern world. The Nestle company could be understood as a powerful political and military force using slave labor, similar to how the East India Company is understood today, highlighting the way consumers mentally separate the sweets produced from their unethical production practices. Social media could be understood as a literal drug, imagining pubs banning public use of social media because of the second-hand slop, and understanding brain rot as a physical disease.
What I’m Looking For
I'm looking for proposals that demonstrate deep thinking on the themes of the exhibition and the willingness to be playful and experiment with their ideas. I'm open to a variety of artistic mediums including but not limited to any kind of object, image, performance or text. I’m especially excited by works of art that immerse the audience in a tactile way. For example, I would love to see a “replica” of what future historians think a bar from the 2020s looked like. Although I am open to multi-media art that includes a filmed component, I will not accept any virtual reality proposals or anything that would require visitors to wear a VR headset. I encourage artists to seek inspiration from history museums, renaissance fairs, resources for the public at historical sites, and themed amusement park rides. A successful proposal will include clear evidence of deep thinking on themes of the exhibition and exciting ideas that the artist has the skillset to make happen.
What Mediums of Art Will Be Accepted
I will consider all approaches using any material you can think of, including these and many more; oil paint, woodblock print, lino print, collage, audio files, 3D printer files, paper sculpture, slip cast ceramics, found objects, journaling, performance, photography, AI generated (please state if this is the case), a website, finger painting, mechanical sculpture… absolutely anything you can think of. The one exception to this is virtual reality experiences. I will not accept any virtual reality proposals or anything that would require visitors to wear a VR headset.
Timeline, Eligibility and Fees
March/April 2026: Artists selected
April 2026: Artists will receive a contract
15-22 May 2026: Exhibition set-up
22 May 2026 (6pm-late): FaB Festival Preview/Opening Night Arty Party
23 May-6 June 2026: Fringe Arts Bath Festival
7 June: All work removed and spaces cleared
Everyone can submit, from anywhere in the world. Deadline Fri 10 April 2026 at 23:59 GMT. It’s free to apply. If you are selected, FaB will ask for a £25 contribution and some of your time.
Application Requirements
Please fill out the form through the website. There is space on the form to include media of your previous artwork, to describe relevant previous experience, and include a CV. Feel free to include anything that you feel may aid in your application but don’t worry if you don’t include something for every section, your application will still be considered! The only parts of the application that are absolutely required is your contact information and the proposal described below.
Please submit a proposal responding to the “Creative Prompt for Artists” listed above in approximately 500 words including two or more ideas of what image, text, object, performance, or multi-media artwork you would be interested in contributing to this exhibition. You can submit as a PDF, a powerpoint, a video or an audiofile.
Selection Criteria and Decision Process
I'm looking for proposals that demonstrate deep thinking on the themes of the exhibition and the willingness to be playful and experiment with their ideas. I'm open to a variety of artistic mediums including but not limited to any kind of object, image, performance or text. I’m especially excited by works of art that immerse the audience in a tactile way. For example, I would love to see a “replica” of what future historians think a bar from the 2020s looked like. Although I am open to multi-media art that includes a filmed component, I will not accept any virtual reality proposals or anything that would require visitors to wear a VR headset. I encourage artists to seek inspiration from history museums, renaissance fairs, resources for the public at historical sites, and themed amusement park rides. A successful proposal will include clear evidence of deep thinking on themes of the exhibition and exciting ideas that the artist has the skillset to make happen.
What Happens If Selected
If selected you will be a part of a vibrant community of artists in a festival taking place all across Bath. Last year FaB attracted an audience of around 8,500 visitors. You will also receive support and guidance on preparing your art for the exhibition. There is also funding available for some art supplies through the Fringe Arts Bath Festival if needed.
Weblinks and Further Information
Exhibition Page on Fringe Arts Bath website: https://www.fringeartsbath.co.uk/brands
Fringe Arts Bath Website: fringeartsbath.co.uk
FaB instagram: instagram.com/fringeartsbath
FaB Facebook: facebook.com/fringeartsbath
FaB X: x.com/FringeArtsBath