International Festival of Glass 2026
The CGS Exhibition
‘A Cabinet of Curiosities’
Call for Entries is Open!
The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) is delighted to announce that we will be holding an exhibition at The International Festival of Glass this year at The World of Glass, St Helens.
The theme is “A Cabinet of Curiosities”, and this is an open call to all CGS members!
Start thinking of what you could make to be a part of our Cabinet of Curiosities!
We invite you to embrace curiosity, experimentation, process-led exploration, and storytelling—whether entirely factual or imaginatively fictional—within your glass pieces. The work will be available for sale, and for the first time in our IFOG exhibitions, we will be able to display 3D objects as well as 2D works!
This exhibition is a sequel to our much-loved Postcard Exhibitions, previously held in Stourbridge. With the new location and format, we are thrilled to open this popular opportunity to everyone at any stage of their making and using any glass technique.
Please note: Unlike previous years, this will be a selected show due to limitations on the number of works we can display. But be assured that we are keen to show work from makers at all stages of their glassmaking career and in a wide range of techniques.
Criteria for Selection
• You must be a member of the Contemporary Glass Society.
• Your work should fit the theme of the exhibition- Be curious, experimental, and intriguing.
• The work must be completed, with high-quality final photos for promotion and the accompanying online exhibition.
• A wide range of approaches and techniques is encouraged and will form part of the selection criteria.
• Pieces should retail within one of the following price categories- £85, £150, £200, £300, £400, or £500.
• The work must be for sale. This is a fundraising event:
o 50% of the sale price goes to the artist (or you may kindly donate this to CGS)
o 20% + VAT goes to The World of Glass
o The remaining amount is a donation towards CGS events, including our 30th Anniversary celebrations next year.
• Size limits:
o Depth no greater than 10cm
o Height and width no larger than 20cm x 10cm (these can be used in either orientation)
• Limited editions are welcome—only one piece is needed for the show, with the option for additional commissions once purchased.
• The work must be delivered between specific dates in July/August to Sarah Brown at her studio. Exact details will be confirmed once your spot is secured.
• Application fee: £15
Exhibition and Sale
• We will hold a launch event at The Festival for the sale of the pieces (time TBC), a fun way to meet other artists and select your favourites.
• Pieces will be affordable, and unsold works will be made available online after the show, giving those who cannot attend a chance to purchase them.
• There will be a Best in Show prize and a People’s Prize, announced at the end of the exhibition.
Images and Documentation
We would love to receive:
• Videos/photos of you making the work.
• High-quality images on a clear background of the final pieces
Have fun with your pieces! Think outside the box (within the size limits) and make something exciting to display alongside a wide range of artists.
Key Dates
• Open Call Launched: April 2026
• Applications Close: 21st June
• Delivery of Work: July/ August 2026 (date to be confirmed)
• Launch Event: During IFOG
• Exhibition Dates: 27th August – 31st October
• Launch Event: During IFOG – time TBC
• Sold/ Unsold Artwork sent: Sold artwork will go to the purchaser in November. Unsold Artwork will need collection arranged at a date TBC.
APPLICATION FORM
MORE INFO ABOUT IFOG 2026
