OPEN CALL photography exhibition: Silver Skies
February 11, 2026
Celebrating 25 Years of ISLAND Arts Centre, this landmark exhibition will mark exactly 25 years since the centre was built in Lisburn, on the banks of the river Lagan.
For its first-ever photography open call, ISLAND Arts Centre has invited acclaimed professional photographer Stephen S.T. Bradley to select and curate the exhibition. Photographers from Northern Ireland and further afield are encouraged to submit their photographic interpretation of the theme: Silver Skies.
About the Curator
Stephen S.T. Bradley, Belfast-born, twice awarded Northern Ireland News Photographer of the Year, began his career as a staff news photographer at the Belfast Telegraph and the renowned Pacemaker Press photo agency. During this time, he covered major news events in Northern Ireland, with his work appearing on the covers of every national newspaper in the UK, Europe, and North America.
An extensive freelance career includes shooting for multinational advertising, corporate, and editorial clients on both sides of the Atlantic. Stephen’s fine art photographs are held in private collections in New York, Paris, Munich and London.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome entries which best reflect the competition’s theme through high-quality execution and unique vision.
Application Requirements:
Entry Title: Required for each photograph submitted.
Entry Description: Include a brief context for your interpretation of
the ‘Silver Skies’ theme.
Pricing: Provide a retail price for each entry submitted.
Dimensions: State the size of the print and the size of the print plus frame in centimetres.
Technical Requirements
• One-Shot Photography: We require one-shot photographs only. We are looking for single exposure shots (colour/contrast edits welcome) rather than composite images.
• Digital Dimensions: Uploaded images for the application must be a maximum of 2000 pixels on the longest side.
Required Views: For each entry, you must provide three images:
1. Full Frame Photo: The complete photograph.
2. Framed View: A photo (or digital mockup) of the image in the frame to be included if your image is selected.
3. Detail View: A close-up crop representing approximately 25% of the full image.
Key Dates & Timeline
• Submission Deadline: 12pm, 10 April 2026
• Selection Announcement: 27 April 2026
• Physical Work Drop-off: 22, 23 & 24 May 2026
• Exhibition Dates: Throughout June 2026
Note: All selected work must be delivered to ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn, in exhibition-ready (framed) condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can enter? The competition is open to photographers of all levels, based in Northern Ireland or further afield.
How do I apply? Please apply via the link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SilverSkiesOpenCall/ or Email arts.information@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
for further information.
Are composite images allowed? No. We require one-shot photographs only. We are looking for single exposure shots rather than composite images or heavy digital manipulations.
What happens if my work is selected? Successful applicants will be notified by email by 27 April 2026. Selected physical works must be dropped off at ISLAND Arts Centre
on 22, 23, or 24 May 2026.
Can my images be sold? Yes, please include the retail price of each image along with dimensions. 25% commission plus VAT will be deducted from any sales.
Exhibition location? ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn.