Artists & 
Submissions

Submissions are open until 13th of September 2026

Hello there! 

If you are between the age of 12-26, and have been or currently are in care, we would love to see your creativity displayed. File Not Found is an art exhibition and competition by youth in care, where we want to see your self-expression beyond what can be captured in a file. 

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You do not have to submit your completed work yet - this is a submission of interest. Submitting your interest secures your spot as a participant, and allows us to support you in the process of creating your piece. The artwork needs be submitted no later than 13th of September 11:59 pm GMT.

Competition & Exhibition Structure 
The competition has three age categories; 12-14, 15-17, 18-26. 

In each category, six to eight selected artworks will be exhibited at OXO Gallery on London’s Southbank from 28 October to 1 November 2026. On the 29th of October, four judges will announce the winners in each category.

Every submitted artwork can also be chosen for a collage - your art will still be in the venue, but as part of a larger instillation. 

Prizes in each category will include art supplies for every winner, a cash prize, and a savings account contribution managed by The Share Foundation (ages 12-17 only, 18-26 receive the full cash prize).  

• 1st place: £500, and £500 in a savings accounts 

• 2nd place: £250, and £200 in savings account 

• 3rd place: £100, and £100 in savings account 

 
Who Can Submit
We welcome submissions from care-experienced young people between 12-26 y/o based in the UK. You might currently be in care, have previously been in care, or identify as care-experienced in another way.
 

Artists can submit work in a range of mediums including:

• Painting

• Photography

• Illustration

• Digital art

• Mixed media

• Sculpture

• Other visual forms. Are you unsure if your medium can be submitted? Submit the form and we will get back to you. 

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Get help realising your creative vision with Artist Mentors 

If you have an idea of what you wish to submit but could use advice on how to make it happen, we can connect you to an artist mentor who will set up a virtual call with you to listen and give advice.

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Submissions Timeline
Submissions open: 1 April 2026
Submissions close: 13th September 2026

Safeguarding
This exhibition is organised by Apex Fostering, an independent fostering agency committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of care-experienced young people. Appropriate safeguarding, consent, and support procedures will be in place for all participating artists.

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Event participation

During the event, we will have specific slots of live streamed tours so that people all across the UK can experience the exhibition, should they not be able to attend in person. 

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For our chosen highlighted artists, we are working on securing sponsorships to fund your travel to and from the exhibition so you can see your artwork in venue, in person. 

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