About the Open Call

The open call for "The Hand that Rocks" invites submissions for an exhibition scheduled from March 25-29, 2026, at 67 York Street Gallery in London. Organized by Castello 6668 Collective, this opportunity is open to UK and international artists across painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, and mixed media. The exhibition builds on the collective's core mission to explore complex lived motherhood experiences, moving beyond traditional representations. Inspired by William Ross Wallace's phrase 'The Hand that Rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world' and Hildegard of Bingen’s interpretation of the female as an active, nourishing vessel, artists are encouraged to respond to the themes of Woman, Vessel, and World, focusing on the mother as a creative force, a giver, an active medium, and a traveling guardian in dialogue between the wider world and its future embedded in the growing child.

What is Offered

Exhibition opportunity in London with no commission on sales. Selected artists will have their work displayed and included in publicity.

Requirements

This open call is for UK and international artists working in painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, and mixed media. Artists must submit up to 3 works via email, providing detailed information about each piece including images, technical specifications, and thematic relation. An artist website or Instagram is mandatory. Artists are responsible for the cost of delivering and collecting their artwork and for related insurance. The collective commits to handling art with care and providing invigilation during opening hours. Works will remain on show until the exhibition concludes. By submitting, artists agree to the use of provided and event photographs for publicity purposes.

How to Apply

Artists must email mismarimariam@gmail.com and may submit up to 3 works for consideration. Submissions should include jpeg images under 3MB (up to 2 per artwork) that accurately represent the art. For each artwork, artists must provide the title, year, materials, size (cms), weight if >1kg, price (if for sale), installation requirements, and a sentence about how the work relates to the exhibition theme. An artist website or Instagram is also required.