SWDN

The SWDN exhibition aims to take graphic approaches to highlighting the notable places, faces and stories of Swindon. The goal is to have a wide selection of prints, photographs, zines, illustrations, collages and more that showcase Swindon in the best light possible. Unlike some boring, council, utilitarian poster that explains how to take your bins out properly or what overpriced train services there are to get you out of the town, I want artwork that is contrasting, satirical, exciting and actually highlights the things that people want to see. The range of subjects can be very diverse and wide, such as showcasing famous faces from the towns history, notable locations such as the DMJ tower or the Tent Market, unique subcultures the council has no interest in highlighting and funny stories of messy nights out, the list goes on and on.

What I’m looking for from artists:

Create visual work that is bold and striking in nature. Visual aggression allowed and encouraged.

Media Accepted:

  • Prints (Screen prints, Gel plate printing, Lino printing, Woodcut printing, etc)

  • Zines

  • Collages

  • Stickers

  • Photography

  • Paintings

  • Illustrations

  • Digital

limitations or Guidlines

When submitting work, make sure the format is no larger than A2 in scale

How to apply Details

Please send in PDF or photographic format to dempseydesign.1@gmail.com

Deadlines

15/05/2026

Workshops or Events

mOODBOARDS + EXAMPLES:

about the curator:

Jake Dempsey

Instagram: @dempsee.jpg

My name is Jake Dempsey and I am a graphic artist and designer based in Swindon. My artwork contains a strong mix of practical, analogue techniques, such as collage and printing, with digital refinement such as Adobe Creative Suite. I believe that this mixture allows for my work to sit between what is considered 'graphic arts' and what is considered 'graphic design'

I wanted to get involved with SWAF26 because I think that opportunities such as SWAF in the Swindon area are important for highlighting local creativity and talent, something which seems to often get disregarded. I believe that these events are vital ways of displaying work and networking locally and competing with London and Bristol, of which both are our neighbours.