Open Call for Red Clay 2026

After the heartwarming success of last year’s Red Clay 2024 exhibition and Red Clay 2025 exhibition we are thrilled to announce the open call for Red Clay 2026! The programme of events will run from Saturday 14 March to Saturday 18 April 2026.

Apply Now

Application deadline Tuesday 6 January 2026

The application fee of £15 is non-refundable and covers the cost of administration and the review process

Participation fees will apply, please see application for more details

Apply Now

Open Call for Red Clay 2026: Celebrating Womxn’s Health and Creativity

This annual event brings together a community of artists, researchers and musicians who explore and highlight womxns’ mental, physical and hormonal health

Every year we see dialogues emerge that are profound and transformative, sparking new connections and insights among participants and audiences alike

Red Clay 2026: Continuing the Story

This year, we aim to build on the foundation of years past, welcoming more voices and perspectives 

We are particularly interested in hearing from womxn from the global majority, queer practitioners, womxn who are parents and people who research womxn’s mental, physical and hormonal health

What We Are Looking For

We are eager to hear from everyone and are here to help guide you after you submit your proposals

Be adventurous and surprise us with your innovative ideas for:

  • Exhibitions

  • Performance/Theatre

  • Music

  • Film

  • Talks

  • Events

  • Workshops

Red Clay 2026 Residency Opportunity

The Red Clay residency will take place from Saturday 14 March to Saturday 18 April 2026

This residency is suitable for a range of practitioners; writers, visual artists, curators, performers and researchers and more  

There are no expected outcomes for this residency, as it is intended to provide time and space to develop work in the area of womxn's health within the Red Clay exhibition

You will have access to the OVADA warehouse with use of our WiFi and a shared kitchen throughout the week. The exhibition will be open from Thursdays to Sundays each week which will give you the opportunity to engage with fellow practitioners, their work and audience members balanced with quiet days when we are not open to the public

Deadline 06 January 2026, 11:59pm BST

The application fee of £15 is non-refundable and covers the cost of administration and the review process

Participation fees will apply, please see application for more details

Apply Now

Artwork pictured by Red Clay 2024 & 2025 artist Haley Drolet

  • “It was great to be part of a truly artist-led programme. As seems to be constantly the case in the arts These days, resources are tight, people are stretched, so it wasn't entirely smooth. But I really felt all our hearts and intentions were totally behind this project. It felt genuinely experimental and a bit edgy, just what is needed in the arts at the moment.” — Sarah Scaife, Red Clay 2024 artist & speaker

  • "Red Clay was such a special experience for me as an emerging artist. I felt so welcomed and championed by OVADA who were incredibly generous with their space and time. — Haley Drolet, Red Clay 2024 resident artist & speaker

  • “OVADA is a thoughtful and very inclusive independent organisation. A fantastic place for artists from all walks of life to come together and collaborate. Always see something new and inspiring. Lovely people, lovely atmosphere, just in general a great time!” — Issy Miller, Red Clay 2024 artist & workshop leader

  • “A really well run and thought provoking exhibition. I was delighted to be asked to take part and I enjoyed every part of the process.I felt very well supported by the team at OVADA and felt very privileged to show my work in the most incredible space!” — Hermione Burrell, Red Clay 2024 artist