Exhibition runs:

Friday 3 April – Saturday 2 May, 2026

Submission dates for artwork:

Sunday 29 March, and Monday 30 March, 10:30 – 13:30

Courtyard Arts is inviting artists from Hertfordshire and beyond to submit work for the 19th Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition, one of the region’s most anticipated annual showcases of creative talent. Entries are now open, with the exhibition set to feature 70–100 selected works across a wide range of styles and media.

This year’s Open is especially significant as Courtyard Arts prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer — marking three decades of championing creativity, supporting artists, and enriching Hertford’s cultural life.

The Courtyard Open has grown into a major highlight of the regional arts calendar, attracting over 200 artists each year. The exhibition celebrates the diversity, imagination, and skill of both emerging and established artists, offering a vibrant snapshot of contemporary creativity in Hertfordshire and beyond.

Artists working in 2D or 3D media are encouraged to enter. All submissions will be considered by an independent judging panel, and one outstanding artist will receive the Courtyard Arts Open Prize of £250.