Southwark Cathedral is inviting artists with connections to South London and East Surrey to submit proposals for a new programme of exhibitions in its Café throughout 2027.
The Cathedral will dedicate its Café exhibition programme next year to the work of local artists, creating a series of exhibitions celebrating the creativity and perspectives of artists connected to its wider community.
Artists with a meaningful connection to the Diocese of Southwark are invited to apply. The Diocese covers communities across Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham, Croydon, Bromley, Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and East Surrey. Artists do not necessarily need to live within the Diocese, but should be able to demonstrate a connection to a place, community or parish within it.
Selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work for approximately six weeks in the Cathedral Café, a welcoming space in the heart of London, close to London Bridge and Borough Market.
There is no charge to apply or exhibit, with the Cathedral offering the Café as a free exhibition space. The programme is open to a wide range of artistic practices, although work must be suitable for wall display. Artists can propose an existing body of work, a new exhibition idea, or work responding to a particular theme, place, community or aspect of life in the Diocese. Collaborative exhibitions will also be considered.
The Café is run by Comptoir Bakery, a family-run company based in Bermondsey. Comptoir's chefs and bakers make its pastries and other products by hand at its kitchen on Maltby Street, making the Café another point of connection between the Cathedral and its local community.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday 18 October 2026, with decisions expected in November 2026. Exhibitions will take place throughout 2027.
To submit a proposal, visit the Southwark Cathedral website and complete the online application form.
For questions about the programme, please contact Arts.Cathedral@southwark.anglican.org.
