Artists &
Submissions
Interested in submitting your art?
Submissions open 1 April – 1 September 2026
File Not Found is a youth-led art exhibition and competition showcasing work by care-experienced young people across England.
The project challenges how young people in care are often defined by paperwork, statistics, and case files. Instead, it creates a public platform where creativity, identity, and lived experience take centre stage.
Selected artworks will be exhibited at OXO Gallery on London’s Southbank from 28 October to 1 November 2026.
Who Can Submit
We welcome submissions from care-experienced young people and adults who would like to share their work as part of this exhibition.
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:
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Painting
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Photography
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Illustration
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Digital art
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Mixed media
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Sculpture
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Other visual forms
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Exhibition & Competition
From all submissions received:
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20 artworks will be selected as highlighted exhibition pieces.
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Additional works will be displayed as part of a submissions wall
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Three artists will be selected as competition winners
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The winners will receive creative materials prizes to support their artistic journeys.
More details about the competition and judging process will be announced when submissions open.
Submissions Timeline
Submissions open: 1 April 2026
Submissions close: 1 September 2026
Artists whose work is selected will be contacted ahead of the exhibition.
We are currently finalising safeguarding procedures and submission guidelines to ensure the exhibition provides a safe and supportive experience for all participants.
If you would like to be notified when submissions open, please leave your email below.
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.