OPEN CALL: Rooted not Rendered

Overview

ROOTED NOT RENDERED

Deadline: Thursday 19th March, 12pm

This application form is to apply to be part of our South Asian Heritage Month Exhibition happening in May 2026 in the SU Project Space, CSM. 

What is South Asian Heritage Month?

South Asian Heritage Month runs from 18th July to 17th August. Established in 2019, it recognises and spotlights the histories, contributions and lived experiences of South Asian communities in the UK.

South Asia consists of eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Alongside this, there is a vast and complex South Asian diaspora across the world, shaped by migration, displacement, colonial histories and resistance.

The month concludes with the anniversary of Partition. The Indian Independence Act received royal assent on 18 July 1947, and the Radcliffe Line, which divided India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan, was published on 17 August 1947.

Arts SU continues its commitment to platforming South Asian voices and practices that reflect the depth, plurality and political realities of our communities.

How are we celebrating South Asian Heritage Month?

We are hosting an exhibition in the Arts SU Project Space at Central Saint Martins. Selected works will form a collective exhibition responding to this year’s theme, bringing together student practices that centre complexity, lived experience and critical reflection.

The exhibition will run from 6th May to 15th June 2026.

This year's theme is Rooted, not Rendered. As we reflect on how our culture is often tokenised and capitalised on, think about how your work can answer the following questions:

• Have you ever felt like your identity has been co-opted for profit? How did it make you feel?
• How do you define home? What helps you reinforce your connection to your roots?
• What contradictions, tensions, or complexities within South Asian experiences does your work explore?
• What aspects of South Asian culture, identity, or experience feel urgent or important for you to express right now?
• How does your work avoid performing South Asian identity for a Western gaze?

Current students from any course or college at UAL are welcome to apply, especially students who may not have already had the chance to publicly showcase their artwork. The work must already exist, and we cannot accept proposals for this opportunity. We welcome solo or group artworks and accept a wide range of mediums. Submissions can be anything from paintings, prints, poems, digital work, video work, zines, garments, recipes, and so on. 

Selected works will be featured in our Arts SU Project Space at Central Saint Martins
Exhibition Dates: 6th May - 15th June 2026

Please assure your artworks are available to exhibit for the proposed dates. 

Deadline: Thursday 19th March, 12pm

APPLY HERE

We look forward to receiving your applications!