WE WUNT BE DRUV
A DEMOCRATIC OPEN CALL
ARTWAVE 2026
We Wunt Be Druv is one of Sussex's most defiant declarations, a centuries-old motto that speaks of independence, stubborn pride and a refusal to be pushed around.
For this open call, Sussex Contemporary invites UK-linked artists to take that spirit and run with it. Whether your work roars or whispers, whether it's political or personal, lyrical or literal, we want to see how you interpret this deeply Sussex-rooted theme.
This is a democratic exhibition. There are no judges, no jury, no selection panel.
You choose your size, you pay your entry fee and your work is in.
We have 300 spaces available and entries are open until, either, they sell out or until 31 July 2026.
The exhibition will be held at the historic Lewes Town Hall Corn Exchange opening on the 4th September and closing on the 6th September, during Artwave 2026, East Sussex's annual open studios and arts festival, and curated by our Creative Director, Jo Myles
Sussex Wunt be Druv
W Victor Cook wrote this poem in Sussex dialect, published in 1914
Mus Wilfred come to Sussex, Us heaved a stone at he, Because he reckoned he could teach
Our Sussex fishers how to reach The fishes in the sea. But when he dwelt among us,
Us gave un land and luv,
For Sussex will be Sussex,
And Sussex won't be druv!
All folks as come to Sussex Must follow Sussex ways – And when they've larned to know us well,
There's no place else they'll wish to dwell In all their blessed days
There ant no place like Sussex,
Until ye goos above,
For Sussex will be Sussex,
And Sussex won't be druv.
Some folks as come to Sussex,
They reckons as they know
A durn sight better what to do Than simple folks,
like me and you, Could possibly suppose.
But them as comes to Sussex,
They mustn't push and shove,
For Sussex will be Sussex,
And Sussex won't be druv!
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH EVERY ENTRY
A copy of the exhibition catalogue
Your work exhibited at Lewes Town Hall Corn Exchange on the 4th, 5th 6th September 2026 during Artwave 2026
2 x invitations to the Be Druv private view on the 4th September 2026
Your work included in the exhibition artwork list
Your artwork available for sale — Sussex Contemporary takes 30% commission on any sales
A printed catalogue will be produced for this exhibition, featuring all works on display.
How to enter
Select the size tier that best fits your artwork and pay the corresponding fee. That's it, you're in. All 2-D and 3-D work is welcome.
The size tiers refer to the maximum footprint or framed dimensions of your piece.
Small: Up to 20 x 20 cm £10
Medium: Up to 30 x 30 cm £20
Large: Up to 50 x 50 cm £40
Extra Large: Up to 100 x 100 cm £80
XX-Large: Up to 200 x 200 cm £120
Entries open 16 March 2026 and close when all 300 spaces are filled or on 31 July 2026 at 23:59, whichever comes first.
Once your entry is purchased, you'll receive a confirmation email and then, shortly after, a further follow-up email with a link to the private artists page about this project. On the private artists page you will find a link to the submission form.
Artist drop off: 10 am - 1 pm 3rd September. Corn Exchange Lewes High Street, Lewes, BN7 2QS
Be Druv PV: 4th September 2026 6 pm - 8 pm
Exhibition opening days/hours: 11 am - 5 pm 4th, 5th, 6th September 2026
Artist Collection: 6th September 5 pm - 6 pm or 7th September 9am - 12pm. Corn Exchange Lewes High Street, Lewes, BN7 2QS
Frequently Asked Questions
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We Wunt Be Druv is a democratic open call exhibition by Sussex Contemporary, taking place at Lewes Town Hall Corn Exchange during Artwave 2026. It is open to UK-linked artists at any stage of their career, working in any medium.
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Unlike most open calls, there is no jury or selection panel for We Wunt Be Druv. You choose your size tier, pay the entry fee, and your work is included in the exhibition. The only limit is space, we have 300 places available, and once they are gone, entries close.
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Yes, as long as you have a link to the UK. You are eligible if you were born in the UK, educated or trained in the UK, currently living or working in the UK, or can demonstrate another clear UK connection. Both amateur and professional artists are welcome.
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We Wunt Be Druv is a centuries-old Sussex dialect phrase meaning 'we won't be driven'. It speaks of independence, local pride, and quiet defiance. We invite artists to explore what that phrase means to them, politically, personally, or poetically. There is no single right interpretation.
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Lewes Town Hall Corn Exchange, Lewes, East Sussex. The exhibition runs from 4th, 5th & 6th September 2026, open to the public 11am–5pm daily.
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Artwave is East Sussex's annual open studios and arts festival, held each September. We Wunt Be Druv is part of the 2026 Artwave programme, which brings thousands of visitors to venues across the region.
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Entries open on 16 March 2026 and close when all 300 spaces are filled, or at 23:59 on 31 July 2026, whichever comes first. We recommend entering early to avoid missing out.
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Yes, a printed catalogue will be produced for We Wunt Be Druv, featuring all works in the exhibition. Copies will be available at the venue.
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All 2D and 3D work is welcome, including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, photography, illustration, mixed media, and more.
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You select the tier that corresponds to the maximum dimensions of your artwork (including any frame, plinth, or mount). The tiers are:
Small: Up to 20 x 20 cm £10
Medium: Up to 30 x 30 cm £20
Large: Up to 50 x 50 cm £40
Extra Large: Up to 100 x 100 cm £80
XX-Large: Up to 200 x 200 cm £120
If your work sits between two sizes, please select the larger tier.
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Yes. You can submit a maximum of two works, with each entry purchased separately by size. More than one work may be entered, subject to availability of spaces.
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Once you have purchased your entry, you will receive a confirmation email and then a further follow-up email which contains a link to our private artists page about the project.
On the artists page is a link to the submission form. Please submit one form per entry purchased.
The submission form is where you will upload your artwork image and provide details about your piece. This date will also be used to build the catalogue.
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A copy of the exhibition catalogue
Your work exhibited at Lewes Town Hall Corn Exchange during Artwave 2026 (17–20 September 2026)
2 x invitations to the Be Druv private view
Your work included in the exhibition artwork list
A printed catalogue will be produced for this exhibition.
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Yes. All works in the exhibition are available to purchase. Sussex Contemporary takes a 30% commission on any sales. Sold work remains on display until the exhibition closes.
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Yes. Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting their work. Drop-off and collection dates will be communicated to all entrants. Work must be gallery-ready, framed where appropriate and correctly strung or prepared for display.
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We Wunt Be Druv is curated by Jo Myles, Creative Director of Sussex Contemporary.