How to Enter the New Light Summer Exhibition of the North 2025

If you're an artist from the North of England, this could be your moment! The New Light Summer Exhibition of the North 2025 is inviting submissions for its upcoming show at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds—one of the region’s biggest arts and cultural venues.

Running from 8th July to 10th August 2025, this exhibition will showcase some of the best artistic talent in the North, giving both emerging and established artists a chance to exhibit, sell, and gain recognition for their work.

Want to get involved? Here’s everything you need to know.

Key Dates and How to Enter

• Submissions Open: 1st March 2025
• Deadline for Entries: 30th April 2025
• Shortlist Announced: 23rd May 2025
• Exhibition Dates: 8th July – 10th August 2025

To enter, artists must submit their work online via the New Light website (link will go live on 1st March).

What Makes This Exhibition Special?

The New Light charity is well-known for its dedication to Northern artists, and this Summer Exhibition is a fresh addition to its lineup. Last year’s New Light Art Prize Exhibition attracted over 66,000 visitors across five venues, proving just how much appetite there is for Northern art.

With Bradford celebrating its City of Culture 2025 status and hosting the Turner Prize, this is a huge year for Northern artists. Sunny Bank Mills, just four miles from Bradford, will become a creative hub, making this exhibition an unmissable event.

Another unique feature? Each of the nine judges will personally select an overall winning artist and award them a £500 bursary. That means there are multiple opportunities for artists to get noticed and financially supported.

A High-Profile Judging Panel

The exhibition will be curated by a panel of nine expert judges, each bringing their own perspective to the selection process. This ensures a diverse, engaging, and thought-provoking display of works.

Meet the Judges:

• Christopher Cook
• Anne Desmet
• George Harris
• Linnet Panashe Rubaya
• George Vasey
• Laura Gascoigne
• David Lee
• Beth Hughes
• Steve Williams

Their collective experience spans curation, criticism, and art collection, meaning they’ll be on the lookout for exceptional talent.

What the Organisers Say

William Gaunt, Joint Managing Director of Sunny Bank Mills:

"We are really excited to work with New Light to create this ambitious show for the North. An exhibition of this scale presents a wonderful opportunity for the public to view and buy the very best art the North can offer—all under one roof! The excellent judging panel ensures that the standard of the art selected will genuinely be the best. And the show provides the artists with a valuable selling opportunity, exposing their work to a wide audience."

Liz Wild, Investment Director at McInroy & Wood (sponsor):

"As long-standing supporters of the arts, McInroy & Wood recognises the vital role art plays in the fabric of our society. Our relationship with New Light is now in its seventh year, and we are delighted to support the charity with this new Summer Exhibition. Sunny Bank Mills is a wonderful venue to stage the exhibition—bringing together the creative legacy of the region with some of today’s finest Northern artists."

Why You Should Enter

If you’re an artist from the North of England, this exhibition is a golden opportunity. Here’s why:

• Exposure: Your work will be seen by a wide audience, including gallery directors and curators.
• Sales Opportunity: This is a selling exhibition, meaning visitors can purchase your art.
• Recognition: Being part of this event can significantly boost your profile.
• Financial Support: Nine artists will receive £500 bursaries from the judges.
• Networking: Connect with fellow artists, curators, and potential buyers.

How to Apply

If you want to be part of this exciting exhibition:

1. Prepare your work – Think about the pieces you’d like to submit.
2. Check the website from 1st March – The submission link will go live then.
3. Submit your entry by 30th April – Don’t miss the deadline!
4. Wait for the shortlist announcement on 23rd May – If selected, you’ll receive all the details about exhibiting your work.

Final Thoughts

The New Light Summer Exhibition of the North 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible event. Whether you’re an artist looking for your next big opportunity or an art lover keen to explore the North’s creative talent, Sunny Bank Mills in Leeds will be the place to be this summer.

Mark your calendars and spread the word—this is one exhibition you don’t want to miss!