Ground - Open Call

Ground - Open Call

Ground - where material meets

This exhibition examines how works negotiate conversations outside of the studio, through their physical presence in a white-walled gallery.  A key aspect of this show will be the interactions artists have with others' work and the investigations of surface and materiality. We're exploring two interconnected yet often isolated territories: the studio and the gallery.

The Studio

Your familiar space - the starting point of making. A place to experiment and develop works, shaped by the individuality of each artist's process. External influences seep in through material choices, openness to try something new, and the frustrations that come with making. The studio is a space of unlimited variables, a vulnerable place to create.

We want artists to consider their relationship to their studio and how it influences their work.

The Gallery

Where white walls can intimidate, yet an incredible dialogue emerges once artworks are placed together. In this high-ceilinged space, we're hoping to create conversations between artists' works - unexpected interactions of surface, scale and materiality. What develops once work is removed from the studio? How does an artist reposition their relationship with work that has become so familiar.

We want this show to be tangible and tactile. There are no size limits, no specific mediums required -  but pieces should have a strong physical presence. Ground is an invitation to discover what happens when your practice meets others in a physical space.

Open Call Information

Application deadline: Monday 18th August 2025

Install: Wednesday 17th September 10:00 - 12:00

Opening Night: Thursday 18th September 18:00

Deinstall: Tuesday 23rd September 10:00 - 12:00

The Venue

ASC Handbag Factory, Gallery 2, 3 Loughborough St, London SE11 5RB

‘Located in the atrium of the building. With a tall skylight ceiling, plenty of wall space, and an open feel.’ 

We recommend artists consider how their work will interact with the space before applying to open call.

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Images courtesy of ASC Studios

Images courtesy of ASC Studios

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We will be releasing further events throughout the show once the final artist list is complete.

Works can be available for sale. coat takes 5% commission on sales to cover administration costs.

This is a free exhibition to participate in, our only requests are that:

  • You are a London-based artist

  • You work in painting or sculpture (no A/V)

  • You can deliver your work on the install date / deinstall date

  • You can attend the opening night and would be interested in attending other social events connected to the show (potential workshops or social afternoons)

To apply, complete the Google form in the link below. The application will ask for a short statement about your interest in the exhibition and what you hope to gain from participating.

About coat

coat is a London-based collaborative that builds creative communities through in-person conversation and collective engagement. We create physical spaces where artists connect, exchange ideas, and develop their practice together. Through exhibitions, crit groups, and studio visits, we actively welcome creators at every stage of their journey. We're about sharing what we know and discovering what we don't.