The Open Eye Gallery was set up in 1973 with a mission to make more people aware of the many positive ways in which film, photography, video and sound recording can be used in a social, cultural and educative context.

The gallery exhibited national touring shows by established photographers such as William Klein and Tony Ray Jones as well as regular showcases of new work by up-and-coming photographers based in the region, including Tom Wood and Martin Parr.

Their program nowadays also includes occasional historical exhibitions that look back with particular interest at work that exerts a strong influence on contemporary practice. Through exhibitions, publications, projects and events they aim to present the photographic image in a rich context of critical and historical debate.

Photographers whose work has been exhibited at the Open Eye since 1977 include: Martin Parr, Mari Mahr, Joel Meyerowitz, Donovan Wylie, Fay Godwin, Simon Norfolk, William Klein, Edward Weston, Bruce Gilden, Sebastiao Salgado and Allan Sekula.

In spite of a large number of exhibition proposals, artists and curators alike are encouraged to send in their ideas. Find more information on how to submit by following this link .