Hastings Contemporary and Sussex Contemporary have announced the judging panel for The Open: Odyssey, a major new biennial open exhibition launching in 2026. The panel includes Chris Packham, Elena Crippa, Eva Langret, Fiona Banner, Isabel Rock, Kathleen Soriano, and Zoe Lyons. Submissions are open to artists connected to Sussex, with works responding to the theme of Odyssey, exploring journeys shaped by tides, time, and transformation. The exhibition will run from 28 March to 31 May 2026 at Hastings Contemporary, featuring over 100 artists and all works available for purchase.
This initiative matters because it establishes a significant new biennial platform for contemporary art in the Sussex region, emphasizing environmental themes and coastal narratives. By bringing together a diverse panel of judges from art, broadcasting, and environmental advocacy, the Open aims to foster dialogue between local artistic practice and global conversations around sustainability and maritime history. It also provides a commercial opportunity for visitors to collect regional art, supporting the local creative economy.