Artists and photographers from the regions of Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Shropshire are invited to showcase their talents in a highly anticipated annual exhibition this summer. The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition is set to take place from Saturday, August 9th to Saturday, August 30th at the historic Fenton Town Hall. This esteemed event, which coincides with Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary celebrations, aims to highlight the creative prowess of both amateur and professional artists from the local area.

This year's exhibition is open to a wide array of artistic expressions, including digital art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and live or performance art. Artists interested in participating have until midnight on Monday, May 26th to submit their entries. The event is a collaborative effort, organized by ArtsKeele at Keele University in partnership with Restoke, Barewall Gallery, Burslem School of Art Trust, Appetite, and ACAVA Spode Works.

Kerry Jones, representing ArtsKeele at Keele University, shared her excitement about hosting the exhibition during such a significant year for Stoke-on-Trent. "We are eager to witness the diverse range of work from our talented local artists and are delighted to present this creativity in the unique setting of the ballroom at Fenton Town Hall. This year's exhibition is set to be a vibrant celebration of artistic expression, showcasing a rich variety of mediums and styles," she remarked.

Participants in the exhibition will have the chance to compete for one of 11 prestigious awards, including:

• Arthur Berry Centenary Award: In honor of the centenary of the renowned artist Arthur Berry, this award, sponsored by the New Vic Theatre Archive Fund, offers a prize of £1000. It celebrates Berry's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the art world and the cultural heritage of Stoke-on-Trent.
• People and Place Award: Sponsored by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, this new category for 2025 emphasizes works that explore human connections to places, whether through landscapes, urban scenes, or intimate portraits. The theme "People and Place" seeks to highlight diverse perspectives and narratives that emerge from the interaction between individuals and their environments. The prize for this category is £200.
• Urban Wilderness Photography Award & Residency: Sponsored by Urban Wilderness, this photography prize provides photographers with a unique opportunity to refine their skills and gain valuable experience through a residency program.

Additionally, a special award is available for young artists aged between 16 and 25. All submitted artworks must have been created within the last two years and should not have been previously exhibited at this event. For further details and submission guidelines, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the event organizers.