City Lit Open Call
We are delighted to invite submissions for a Second Lives special exhibition taking place at City Lit Gallery, Covent Garden in November 2026.
We are seeking artists whose practice has developed alongside - and been enriched by - alternative careers. The exhibition will bring together a selection of established artists alongside emerging talent from the City Lit creative community.
Submissions close at midnight on Thursday 15th October 2026.
To apply, please use the Google Form linked to below. If you do not have a Google account, please complete the form and send your accompanying images directly to us at info@secondlivesart.com.
Please note, this open call is for artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, installation, print, textiles, illustration, digital and ceramic art. We are not accepting submissions generated with AI.
Open Call FAQs
Who can apply?
Any UK-based artist aged 18 or over who can deliver and collect their work in central London.
I have studied at City Lit. Can I apply to both open calls?
Yes. You are welcome to apply to both.
Can I apply if I live outside the UK?
Unfortunately not. This open call is open to UK-based artists only.
How much does it cost to enter?
Nothing. Entry is free.
How many works can I submit?
Up to five.
When do submissions close?
At 23:59 (BST) on Thursday 15th October 2026. We cannot accept late submissions.
How many artists will be selected?
The exhibition will be small and carefully curated. We expect to select two to four Second Lives artists, shown alongside artists from City Lit's open call. We also plan to feature a wider selection of shortlisted artists online.
When and where is the exhibition?
City Lit Gallery, 1–10 Keeley Street, London WC2B 4BA, open to the public from 18th to 28th November 2026 with a private view 17th November 2026.
Do I have to deliver my own work?
Yes. Artists arrange and pay for delivery to City Lit Gallery, and for collection of their work at the end.
Is my work insured?
Second Lives insures consigned works in transit, on display at City Lit Gallery and in its storage facility. If you take your work home early, you are responsible for insuring it while it is with you.
What happens if my work sells?
Second Lives handles the sale and pays you 50% of the sale price within 30 days of receiving cleared funds.
Can I take my work home straight after the exhibition?
Yes. You can collect unsold work, at your own cost, as soon as the exhibition closes. It remains consigned to Second Lives for three months, so it may still be sold during that time and must not be sold elsewhere.
What happens to unsold work I don't collect?
It is moved to Second Lives' insured London-based storage facility and remains available for sale for three months after the exhibition. You then collect it from the storage facility at your own cost.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email info@secondlivesart.com before submitting.