Wighton26 Undercurrent

CALL TO ARTISTS WITH A CONNECTION TO NORFOLK

WIGHTON26: undercurrent

Curator Chris Bailkoski

Exhibition dates: 1 July-3 August 2026

Deadline for applications: 5 January 2026, Notification by 19th January 2026

undercurrent is an exhibition that will make visible unseen artists and practices in the Norfolk region. The exhibition will be a celebration of creative resistance in the face of increasingly difficult times. The curator, Chris Bailkoski, invites artists to respond to undercurrent through exploring geographical, ecological and social themes.

Chris Bailkoski is seeking artists working in expanded fields of painting, sculpture and drawing along with sound, performances, and other non-traditional artforms. The curator encourages submissions from artists who may not have previously exhibited at Wighton and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

DOWNLOAD THE WIGHTON26 APPLICATION FORM HERE

DOWNLOAD THE CALL TO ARTISTS HERE

Awards: 

Curator’s Choice for one work, group work or collaboration will be awarded the new Alfred Cohen Art Prize of £500. 

People’s Choice  of £100 will also be awarded by the NNEP for one work, group work or collaboration winning the popular vote for the best in the show.

More information:

Venue: All Saints Church Wighton, 26 Kirkgate Lane, Wighton, NR23 1PL 

Open Call Dates: 1st November to 5th January

Meet the curator: 15th November 2025 2pm-4pm

NNEP AGM, Warham Reading Room, Warham, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1NH

Selection Notification: 19th January 2026

Site Visit: March TBC

Exhibition Dates: 1 July-3 August 2026

Invigilation Schedule: TBC

Application Process:

An application form can be downloaded HERE

Or contact NNEP Co-Ordinator: Joanna Mullineaux – joannamullineaux@gmail.com

  • All proposals must be for ONE new artwork; artwork created within 12 months to 1st June 2026 AND artwork that has not previously been exhibited.
  • Artists must be able to demonstrate a connection to Norfolk.
  • Submit the completed form with a proposal for ONE artwork (400 words max) and up to 3 images of existing work as examples OR sketches/drafts of your proposed artwork.
  • Emailed images should be resized to less than 200kb each and placed into your word document or PDF such that they will fit on one separate side of A4 paper.  (Include in as word or PDF attachments if emailed – not in the body of the email)
  • Submissions not conforming to these guidelines cannot be considered.
  • Fees: Standard entry £20, concessions £10 (students, pension, universal credit and other similar concessions [please specify])

Applications emailed as an attachment (Word or PDF) to: 

NNEP Coordinator: Joanna Mullineaux – joannamullineaux@gmail.com

Expansion of themes within undercurrent:

Geological & Ecological: Artists exploring the hidden flows within the Norfolk landscape, coast and sea, the more-than-human shaped environment, and human-made climate crisis reshaping the region.

Social & Communal: Artists whose practice engages with creative forms of mutual aid, alternative economies, grassroots organising, and oral histories relating to the exhibition site and locality. 

Creative Resistance: Responding to NNEP’s objective to highlight Contemporary art where access isn’t readily available, artists will be invited to showcase work that celebrates their persistent, flowing undercurrent of alternative practice in a place where poverty is hidden and continuing an art practice is extremely difficult.

About the Curator: 

Chris Bailkoski is a highly experienced curator, producer, and creative director with over 20 years’ experience in the culture sector. For the past decade, he has focussed on his curatorial practice, developing collaborative projects with artists, curating dynamic exhibitions, and delivering accessible arts programming. He has a proven track record of supporting grassroots and underrepresented artists, creating inclusive spaces, and managing complex projects from conception to delivery. He is driven by his working-class upbringing which has instilled a commitment to removing barriers to creative careers and providing meaningful experiences of contemporary art for artists and audiences.

Eligibility and expectations:

  • Artists must be able to demonstrate a connection to Norfolk.
  • THERE IS A CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION FOR 2 DAYS INVIGILATION. This means you (or substitute) must be able to travel to the venue, All Saint’s Church Wighton, 26 Kirkgate Lane, Wighton, NR23 1PL.
  • A nominated substitute invigilator must be arranged with the WIGHTON26 team by June 2026.
  • Invigilation is for the period 9.30am – 5.00pm during the exhibition.
  • Rota TBC.
  • Lift share WhatsApp will be available.
  • Trains/buses are available to the site (https://bustimes.org/localities/wighton)
  • Transport to site is possible for your artwork if needed.

We strongly recommend a visit to the church to experience its delightfully simple white interior.

The church offers innumerable possibilities for locating work. As in previous years boards will be erected, but the hanging team can reach almost everywhere.

Take time to explore the extensive outside space and conservation area accessed through the small gate at the far end of the churchyard.

You may indicate a preferred location, but the final decision remains with the curators.