Framed: Cornwall Open to Showcase 150 Contemporary Artists in Truro

A major new exhibition is set to open in Truro next month, shining a spotlight on the breadth of contemporary creativity across Cornwall.

A Celebration of Cornish Talent

Framed: Cornwall Open will feature the work of 150 Cornish artists at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition was curated by a panel of independent experts following an open call for submissions, with a record number received. The judging panel described the overall standard as “outstanding.”

Bryony Robins, Co-Director of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said:

“It’s heartening to see the incredible levels of skill and imagination that exist across so many artistic disciplines in our community – from people who make a living through their practice, to emerging artists, to those who embrace it as a creative outlet which enhances wellbeing.”

She added:

“Much of the work will be for sale, which is a great way to support local artists in the run-up to Christmas. We also urge everyone to vote in the People’s Choice Awards, as we seek to highlight the benefit to us all from living in a community where creativity thrives.”

📷Credit Ryan Barribell

What Visitors Can Expect

Opening on 26th October, the exhibition will showcase a diverse range of work, from portraits, landscapes and still lives in pencil, pen, chalk, watercolours and oils, to sculptures in clay, metal and found materials. Decorative and functional ceramics will also be on display, alongside textiles and stained glass.

Drawing, photography, collage and printmaking will be well represented, with engravings, woodcuts, monotypes and botanical prints included. Paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolour complete the mix.

In addition, the work of a further 53 artists will be digitally displayed to present as rich a tapestry as possible of contemporary Cornish creativity.

📷Credit Ryan Barribell

People’s Choice Awards

Every artist exhibiting will be entered into the People’s Choice Awards, which will be decided by public vote. There are three categories: the work that makes me happiest, the work that shows the most skill, and overall ‘best in show’.

Voting runs until Christmas Eve, with the winners announced on 21st January.

When and Where

Framed: Cornwall Open runs from 26th October 2025 to 31st January 2026 at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery. More details can be found at cornwallmuseum.org