Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Dark Cornwall exhibition at Trelissick. This unique exhibition brings together artists, makers, illustrators, photographers, and creatives inspired by Cornwall's folklore, mythology, legends, landscapes, history, and cultural heritage. Set within the historic surroundings of Trelissick, this exhibition will showcase original works that explore the stories, places, and traditions that have shaped Cornwall for generations. Please read the following guidance carefully before preparing your submission. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We welcome original artworks inspired by: • Cornish folklore and mythology • Local legends and ghost stories • Ancient sites and sacred landscapes • Traditional customs and beliefs • Historic figures and events • Mythical creatures and supernatural tales • Cornwall's natural and cultural heritage Suitable mediums include: • Illustration • Painting • Printmaking • Photography • Sculpture • Mixed media • Book arts • Other physical art forms suitable for exhibition display DIGITAL ARTWORK While we recognise digital art as a valuable creative medium, this exhibition has been designed around the display of physical artworks and objects within the historic exhibition spaces at Trelissick. Due to the practical requirements of the venue, including display infrastructure, conservation considerations, and interpretation planning, we are unable to accommodate digital screens, projections, interactive installations, or other digital display formats as part of this exhibition. Artists are welcome to submit physical artworks created using digital processes, such as professionally printed illustrations, photographic prints, or other finished physical pieces suitable for exhibition display. CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS Trelissick houses important National Trust collections and all exhibited works must meet strict conservation standards. To protect these collections, artworks must not include materials that may carry pests, mould, spores, larvae, moisture, decay, or other conservation risks. The following materials are prohibited: • Old bird nest material • Seaweed • Wool • Untreated wood • Driftwood • Bark • Moss • Lichen • Feathers • Fur • Hair • Bone • Shells • Dried flowers • Dried leaves • Soil • Sand • Clay collected from the landscape • Plant matter • Food materials • Untreated natural fibres • Any found organic material • UV lighting Artists should use stable, clean, non organic materials wherever possible. LED lighting may be considered where required but must be declared in advance. Any artwork containing undeclared prohibited materials may be rejected, removed from consideration, or withdrawn from display. PAINTS, RESINS AND FINISHES All paints, adhesives, varnishes, coatings, sealants, resins, and similar materials must be fully cured and off gassed before delivery. Artwork must not emit odours, fumes, vapours, or substances that could affect visitors, display spaces, or National Trust collections. DISPLAY SPACES Selected works will be displayed within museum quality cabinets and designated exhibition spaces. Available display spaces include: Two Vertical Display Cabinets • Three shelves per cabinet • Shelf width: 174cm • Shelf height clearance: 38cm • One shelf depth: 16cm • Two shelf depths: 22cm Book Display Cabinet Main display area: • Width: 122cm • Depth: 59cm • Height range: 16cm to 26cm Drawer display: • Width: 110cm • Depth: 56cm • Height: 9cm Central Display Cabinet • Width: 174cm • Depth: 50cm • Height: 17cm Easel Display Selected framed works may be displayed on easels. Maximum dimensions: • Width: 56cm • Height: 130cm Any artwork displayed on an easel must: • Be professionally framed • Be fitted with secure hanging wire • Be suitable for open display The curatorial team reserves the right to determine final placement and presentation of all selected works. OWNERSHIP AND INSURANCE Artists retain copyright and intellectual property rights to their work at all times. Selected works will require exhibition documentation and loan agreements. Artists may be asked to provide a replacement value for insurance purposes. Replacement value should reflect the cost of recreating the artwork, including materials and labour, rather than retail price, commission value, or sentimental value. Artists who choose not to insure their work may be required to accept liability for display risks through an alternative loan agreement. SALE OF ARTWORKS Due to National Trust insurance and loan requirements, artworks cannot be sold, transferred, or removed while the exhibition is running. Expressions of interest may be collected during the exhibition period, but any sale must take place after the exhibition has closed and artworks have been formally released. HOW TO APPLY To be considered for the exhibition, artists must complete the submission form available on this webpage. As part of the application, artists must provide: • A completed submission form • Images, sketches, concept artwork, or photographs of the proposed piece where available • An artist statement Artist Statement Requirements The artist statement should help the judging panel understand both the artwork and the artist behind it. Statements should include: • A description of the proposed artwork • Your creative process and how the work was developed • Your vision and intentions for the piece • The folklore, history, landscape, or inspiration behind the work • Information about yourself as an artist • Where you are based • Why you chose to create this particular piece Artist statements do not need to be academic or highly formal. We are interested in understanding the story behind the work, the ideas that inspired it, and the connection between the artist and the subject matter. The judging panel may use information from artist statements when assessing submissions and developing exhibition interpretation materials. SELECTION PROCESS Submission does not guarantee inclusion. All entries will be reviewed by a judging panel and selected based on: • Artistic quality • Originality • Relevance to the exhibition theme • Suitability for display • Compliance with conservation requirements The panel's decision is final. KEY DATES Exhibition announcement and open call: 23 June 2026 Submission deadline: 31 July 2026 Judging period: 1 August to 7 August 2026 Selected artists notified: 10 August 2026 Final artwork and documentation deadline: 31 August 2026 September 2026: National Trust documentation, cataloguing, conservation checks, interpretation, and installation planning Installation and exhibition opening dates: To be confirmed and communicated to selected artists. We expect this to be circa 16th October. QUESTIONS If you are unsure whether your artwork, materials, dimensions, or display method meet the exhibition requirements, please contact Dark Cornwall before beginning production. We would much rather answer questions early than see artists invest time and money into work that cannot be exhibited. We look forward to seeing your interpretation of Cornwall's rich folklore and legends brought to life.