Alt Valentines Open Call

We are delighted to launch The Lido Stores’ sixth annual Alt Valentine’s open call, this year titled ‘Dearer Than All’ and invite artists to submit works for consideration by midnight on 30 November 2026.

This exhibition has become a tremendously popular, well-attended and fun event in the gallery’s calendar. Always a super fun and joyful part of our exhibiting programme, expect an exciting selection of small but mighty works, from the quiet to the filthy, that will surprise and delight in equal measure.

‘Dearer Than All’ follows in the footsteps of ‘Give Me Love’ (2022), ‘The Wild Thought’ (2023), ‘Fierce Scandal’ (2024), ‘If Heaven Falls’ (2025) and ‘Memento Amoris’ (2026). Each exhibition has grown in scale and prestige and now, as the sole Lido Stores open call of the year, it holds the most prominent position in our calendar.

Open call submissions

  • Submissions of original artworks in painting, drawing, printmaking or collage only.

  • Works to measure a maximum of 40cm in any direction, including frame.

  • Entry is free with a £40 participation fee for shortlisted artists.

  • All works must be for sale – The Lido Stores commission rate is 45%.

  • The Lido Stores will cover shipping costs of sold artwork only.

 

Submission process

Submissions are accepted by a single email to dearerthanall@gmail.com. Include:

  • A brief biography (CV) and artist statement in the third person (Word Docx only)

  • Up to three separate art works per submission, with a maximum of 5MB (JPG) per image (total 15MB)

  • Each jpeg file to be named in the format: Artist_Name_Artwork_Title_Width_Height_Depth(CM)_Medium_Year_Price

  • Please also include the image details in the body of your email

  • Closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on 29 November 2026

 

Key dates

  • Submission deadline: Midnight, 29 November 2026

  • USP: Free to enter, hanging fee for selected artists only

  • Delivery of work: 7-9 January 2027

  • Exhibition dates: 6 February – 14 March 2027

  • Opening reception: 7-9pm, Saturday, 6 February 2027

  • Collection of unsold works: 18-20 March 2027