The Harris Open Exhibition returns in 2026 after a five-year hiatus, continuing a tradition of over 70 years in Preston. The open-call show accepts all entries from local residents (within Preston City Council area or a 5-mile radius) across all media—including drawing, painting, digital art, film, fashion, and experimental practice—with no entry fee and no curation beyond excluding offensive content. Group submissions from community organizations such as The Foxton Centre, Places for People, and Wot Wud U Do are already confirmed. The exhibition opens to the public on 21 February 2026, and for the first time includes a pop-up shop selling artist-designed merchandise.
The return matters because The Harris Open is a cornerstone of Preston's cultural identity, offering an inclusive, non-juried platform that democratizes access to exhibition space and celebrates local creativity. By removing barriers like entry fees and restrictive selection criteria, the exhibition amplifies community voices and fosters broad participation across ages and abilities. The addition of selling opportunities and a pop-up shop also supports local artists economically, reinforcing the role of public museums in nurturing grassroots art scenes.