The Commonwealth invites artists to explore the extraordinary diversity, symbolism, and shared humanity of the 56 nations that make up the modern Commonwealth. Through the medium of glass — a material that can be fragile or resilient, transparent or opaque, traditional or experimental — this exhibition seeks to reflect the layered identities, environments, and cultural expressions that define this global community.
The theme encourages artists to draw from the national flowers, animals, flags, textiles, colours, landscapes, and stories of Commonwealth nations, while also considering the connections, contrasts, and complexities that bind them together.
More information on conceptual design can be found in the attached document.
Artwork Specifications:
- Dimensions: Works must be either 20cm x 20cm or 30cm x 30cm and square. This is the overall dimensions of your work, either in or out of a frame. The display is specifically sized; therefore anything that is too big or too small cannot be displayed.
- 3D work is welcome – but the frame edges must fit into the framework so a clearance on 10-15mm along all sides of the piece where the glass is 6-8mm thick.
- Medium: All glass methods are welcome, including but not limited to fused, blown, cast, copper foil, mosaic and stained glass. They just have to square and at least 60% glass.
- If your work is transparent – please thing about the backing of your work – from experience in the last exhibition we found some of the pieces benefited from a card insert background.
The Exhibition:
The exhibition will be taking place at several locations across Glasgow from June through to December 2026. The locations include Glasgow Cathedral, the Art Department, Paisley, The Trades House of Glasgow and WASPS Parade Artists. More venues are being actively sought.
All work will be displayed on a purpose built, back lit A-Frame. The frame has shelving spaced 20cm and 30cm apart and can display up to 72 pieces.
Some of the exhibitions will also feature demonstrations, family/children activities and bookable workshops.
Why Participate?
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work to a wider audience and contribute to a momentous sporting event in Scotland. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or an emerging talent, we encourage you to share your personal vision The commonwealth through the timeless medium of glass. Let your creativity shine and become part of this landmark celebration! So, what is the participation criteria?
- You have to be a Scottish Glass Society member
- There is no application fee
- There is no selection process
- There is a 20% commission fee on all sales
- There is no upper or lower price limit (keep it reasonable if you want it to sell
- There is no limit to the number of pieces you can exhibit
How to Submit:
Submit your completed pieces to the Scottish Glass Society, Studio 10, 77 Hanson Street, Glasgow G32 2HF by 1 June 2026.
Notify the Secretary sgssecretary@hotmail.co.uk by 1 May 2026 of your intention to exhibit, and how many pieces with a brief description and price – including our 20% commission.
You MUST have insurance for the exhibition of your piece. The SGS will not be insuring the work, however the utmost care will be exercised when transporting, handling and displaying your work.
All unsold work can be collected from the Scottish Glass Society (address above) from early December 2026.
We can’t wait to see how you will bring The Commonwealth to life through the expressive medium of glass!
