Following an incredible response to our inaugural artist open call last year, the Museum of Islamic Arts & Heritage Foundation is delighted to launch a second iteration this year!
2026 Exhibition Theme: Harmony
We invite artists to explore the exhibition theme of Harmony through their own creative practice, drawing inspiration from the arts, heritage, and traditions of Muslims and the Islamic world.
Harmony is a central principle of Islamic art. It underlies many of the key elements of the most popular forms of Islamic art, from patterns to colours, and from forms to shapes. We encourage you to interpret Harmony in your own way, exploring how balance, symmetry, and unity might apply to your own artistic practice and work.
We are looking for original 2D, 3D, digital and sound artworks that respond creatively to the theme and engage with the rich artistic traditions and heritage of Islamic Art.
Eligibility
Does your work engage with traditional Islamic arts in any way? Either as a method/craft or as influence that you engage with?
We are looking for:
Original artwork that meaningfully engages with the arts, heritage, and creative traditions of the Islamic world.
Submissions from UK artists of all backgrounds and faiths whose work meaningfully engages with Islamic artistic traditions.
Artwork from across a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and sculpture. Additionally, we have widened our criteria this year to include digital art, film/video and sound art.
We accept submissions from artists at any stage of their creative practice, including first-time exhibitors. Artists that applied to last year’s open call are welcome to reapply. For logistical reasons, our callout is limited to UK-based artists only.
Note: all submitted artwork must be original to the artist. Each artist may submit a maximum of two artworks, of which we may select one or both.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
Please refer to our 2026 Open Call Guidance and Caption Style Guide & Template for more information on eligibility, submission requirements, and how to prepare your application.
Complete the Artist Open Call Entry Form and submit your artwork before 5pm on Saturday 17 October 2026.
Key Dates
Entry Deadline
5pm, Saturday 17 October 2026
Announcement of Successful Submissions
Saturday 24 October 2026
Artwork Drop-off & Display Fee Deadline
Saturday 31 October 2026
Exhibition Launch & Preview
Saturday 14 November 2026
Exhibition Dates
Thursdays - Saturdays
Thursday 19 November 2026 - Saturday 19 December 2026
Venue: MIAH Gallery | 496 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9AH, UK
(Artwork featured by Sehar Sajid)