Hidden Door x VAS: Artist Development Exhibition – Open Call

We’re now inviting applications from emerging and early-career artists for a bold, physical group exhibition taking place this September at The Paper Factory in Edinburgh.

This is an independent project run through Hidden Door’s year-round Artist Development Programme, in collaboration with Visual Arts Scotland. This event is separate from our main Hidden Door Festival and focuses on providing a platform for ambitious early-career artists whose practices embrace scale, materiality, and experimentation.

What we’re looking for

• Sculpture, installation, and large-scale or freestanding physical works
• No AV, video, or screen-based work
• Artists within 5 years of graduating (2020 or later) or self-directed practice
• Work that pushes boundaries and doesn’t easily fit in traditional galleries

What you’ll get

• Exhibition in a large, industrial venue with public visibility
• High-quality photography and documentation
• A curated Private View with arts professionals and curators
• Optional artist development opportunities through Hidden Door
• Support with selling your work if desired

Key dates

• Install: 22–24 September 2025
• De-install: 29 September 2025
• Opening event: 25th September 2025 (attendance required)

About the venue

The Paper Factory is a 15.5-acre site occupied by the former Saica paper and cardboard manufacturing facility on the western edge of Edinburgh. The huge space hosted Hidden Door Festival 2025.

Address: 1 Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NP.

To apply

You must be signed up to the Hidden Door Artist Development Programme mailing list.

Applications are free and close at 5pm on 28th July 2025.

The below form will ask for various details, including:

• Artist Biography (max 1200 characters)
• Artist Statement (max 2000 characters)
• Examples of your work, including up to 5 images

Image credit: Artist: Becky Tucker / Photography: Iain Robinson