If you are an emerging artist, maker, or designer in the South West of England—within your first five years of practice—MAKING IT 2027 could be your moment.
This major biennial exhibition, hosted in the prestigious Jubilee Gallery at MAKE Southwest (16 January – 17 April 2027), is now accepting applications. Up to 20 early-career creatives will be selected to showcase their work to thousands of visitors in one of the region’s leading craft venues.
But the opportunity goes far beyond the exhibition itself. Selected exhibitors also receive a tailored professional development programme—including funded CPD sessions, mentoring, and industry networking—plus the chance to win awards and prizes from leading organisations.
Deadline for applications: 29 June 2026, 11pm.
The Theme: ‘The Maker’s Journey’
The 2027 edition invites applicants to reflect on the concept of The Maker’s Journey. What does your creative path look like so far?
MAKE Southwest is particularly interested in work that engages with:
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Innovation in materials and techniques
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Sustainability within making processes
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Diversity in craft and design
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Collaboration across disciplines
This is not simply a decorative arts exhibition. The selectors want to see evidence of thought, development, and a clear relationship between your journey and your work.
Who Can Apply?
MAKING IT 2027 is open to artists, makers, and designers based in the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Bristol) who are in their first five years of professional practice.
That includes:
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Self-taught makers
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Apprenticeship-trained creatives
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Recent graduates (BA, MA, or equivalent)
Important: As a craft organisation, MAKE Southwest cannot accept applications from artists working purely in visual art (e.g. painting or sculpture without a craft discipline). Your practice must sit within contemporary craft and making—from traditional materials and techniques (ceramics, textiles, wood, metal, glass) to digital practices (photography, film, print).
Removing Barriers: A Commitment to Under-Represented Groups
MAKE Southwest is a charity dedicated to supporting creatives at every stage of their careers. They are actively committed to removing barriers and strongly encourage applications from individuals currently under-represented in the creative and cultural sector, including but not limited to:
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Disabled artists and makers
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Artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
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Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
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LGBTQ+ artists
Applications are free to submit. No entry fee.
What Selected Exhibitors Receive
This is not a standard open-call group show. MAKING IT is designed as a career development programme embedded within an exhibition.
Selected exhibitors will receive:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Exhibition | Showcase work in the Jubilee Gallery at MAKE Southwest (16 Jan – 17 April 2027) to thousands of visitors |
| Professional Development | Funded CPD sessions tailored to early-career makers |
| Mentoring | Direct access to industry professionals |
| Networking | Connections with the wider South West craft community |
| Awards & Prizes | Opportunities to win recognition from leading organisations |
Previous editions of MAKING IT have acted as a springboard for emerging talent in the region. Many past exhibitors have gone on to secure representation, commissions, and further exhibition opportunities.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via Jotform through the MAKE Southwest website.
You will be asked to provide:
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Contact details and basic information
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Artist Statement – telling the story of your practice and your ‘Maker’s Journey’
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Artist CV – highlighting your early career to date
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Details about your background (including any under-represented status, if you wish to share)
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Six images of your work – high-quality, representative of your current practice
Apply by 11pm on 29 June 2026.
There is no application fee.
Key Dates for Your Diary
| Open call launched | Now open |
|---|---|
| Deadline for applications | 29 June 2026, 11pm |
| Selection notification | (To be confirmed – check website) |
| Exhibition set-up | January 2027 |
| Exhibition open to public | 16 January – 17 April 2027 |
| Private view & awards | January 2027 (date TBC) |
Why Enter MAKING IT 2027?
You are in your first five years. This is the most vulnerable—and most exciting—stage of a creative career. You have skill, energy, and ideas, but you may lack visibility, professional networks, or the confidence to approach galleries.
MAKING IT was designed for exactly this moment.
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Thousands of visitors will see your work in a respected regional venue.
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Funded professional development removes the cost barrier to career growth.
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Mentoring and networking connect you with people who can open doors.
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The theme encourages you to articulate your journey—a skill that will serve you for decades.
As MAKE Southwest puts it: “Selected exhibitors will not only show their work… but will also take part in a tailored professional development programme.”
Final Checklist Before You Apply
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Are you based in the South West of England?
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Are you within your first five years of professional practice?
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Does your work sit within contemporary craft or making (not purely visual art)?
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Can you articulate how your ‘Maker’s Journey’ relates to innovation, sustainability, diversity, or collaboration?
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Do you have six strong, well-photographed images of your work?
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Is your Artist CV up to date?
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Have you written a clear, authentic Artist Statement?
MAKING IT 2027: Open Call for Exhibitors
Deadline: 29 June 2026, 11pm
Apply for free via the MAKE Southwest website.
MAKE Southwest (formerly the Devon Guild of Craftsmen) is a charity dedicated to supporting contemporary craft and making in the South West. The Jubilee Gallery is located at Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon.
Visit the MAKE Southwest website to read full application details and apply HERE
