One of the region’s most celebrated showcases of artistic talent is returning this summer as the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition marks its 30th anniversary with an expanded creative programme, new awards and a month-long celebration of visual arts.

Organised by ArtsKeele at Keele University, the exhibition will take place at the Ballroom at Fenton Town Hall from 8 to 29 August, bringing together artists from Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire. Visitors can explore work across a wide range of disciplines, including painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, moving image and installation art. Entry is free.

Alongside the exhibition, a special creative programme will give visitors the chance to engage directly with artists through workshops, talks, demonstrations and residency activities throughout August. Organisers hope the programme will offer greater insight into the creative process while encouraging more people to discover and participate in the region’s thriving arts scene.

The milestone exhibition will also feature an extensive awards programme recognising artistic achievement across a range of categories. New for 2026 is the George Mallalieu Emerging Artist Award, created in tribute to the respected Staffordshire artist, writer and academic, alongside a new Creative Ceramics Award celebrating innovation in ceramic practice.

Other awards include the prestigious Arthur Berry Prize, sponsored by the New Vic Theatre Archive Fund, the Three Counties Open Art Prize, Young Artist Award, Audience Choice Award, Sustainability Award and a number of discipline-specific prizes for 2D, 3D and photographic work. Opportunities for artist development are also available, including a three-month residency at ACAVA Spode Works and a photography mentorship programme delivered by Urban Wilderness CIC.

The exhibition has become a key platform for both emerging and established artists over the past three decades. Since its launch in the 1990s, thousands of artists have taken part, with many going on to develop successful creative careers. Organisers say the exhibition continues to play an important role in championing artistic talent across the Three Counties while making contemporary art accessible to local audiences.

The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition opens with a launch event on Saturday 8 August and runs until Saturday 29 August at Fenton Town Hall. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

For more information on the Creative Programme, visit keele.ac.uk.