WKUW FAQ's — It's Not Your Birthday But...

What Keeps Us Well – Open call

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Young Creatives: Open to young people aged 11–18. All submissions must be completed and submitted by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of the young person.
Adult Creatives: Open to anyone aged 18 or over at the time of submission. Applicants under 18 must use the Young Creatives category.

2. What kind of work can I submit?

We welcome creative responses in any form, including but not limited to:

Visual work: Painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, etc (high-quality digital image, 300dpi) or film (up to 3 minutes, submitted via Vimeo or YouTube link)

Written work: poetry, prose, short reflections, etc (up to 500 words)

All work must be original, created by you, and not AI-generated.

If your work doesn’t fit into these examples, that’s absolutely fine — we encourage creativity in any medium.

If you have any questions about what kind of work you can submit, or need guidance on formats, please contact us at: hello@itsnotyourbirthdaybut.com

3. Is there a size limit for artwork?

Yes. Physical visual artwork must not exceed:
1000mm wide x 1000mm high
This ensures pieces can be safely displayed and transported during the touring exhibition.

4. Can I submit digital or video work?

Yes. Films or videos should be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo, and the link included in your submission. Please ensure you comply with each platform’s terms and conditions.

5. Is there a word limit for written submissions?

Yes. Written pieces must be:

No more than 500 words
Submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx)
Double-spaced
Written in Arial, size 12

6. Can I submit more than one piece?

Up to 3 submissions are welcome, but each work must be submitted individually via the Entry Form.
Selection is based on quality, suitability, and curatorial balance, not quantity.

7. Is it free to enter?

Yes - the open call is free to enter for all participants

8. Can I use AI tools or AI-generated content in my submission?

No. AI-generated or partially AI-generated work is not eligible and will not be accepted under the exhibition rules.

9. What happens after I submit?

Submissions undergo a review process to ensure:

Originality
Safe handling and display
Appropriateness for public and under-18 audiences

Young Creatives additionally undergo a safeguarding panel review.

The process for all entries includes:

Initial review by INYBB staff
Judging by a selection panel
Final compliance review

If selected, you will be contacted with next steps, including delivery instructions if applicable.

10. When will I hear if I’ve been selected?

We aim to notify selected artists/writers or guardians as soon as the judging process is complete, at the end of February 2026. Due to the volume of submissions, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback or updates on unsuccessful applications.

11. Are all selection decisions final?

Yes. All selection decisions are final.
We are unable to enter into correspondence or accept appeals regarding the outcome of selection decisions.

12. Will I be paid or receive royalties?

No fees or royalties are payable for the exhibition or related promotional uses of selected works, except for any prizes formally awarded.

13. How will my work be used?

By submitting, you grant INYBB and Surrey History Centre permission to use your work for:

Exhibition display (on-site and touring)
Online showcase
Promotional and press materials
Social media
Educational purposes
Inclusion in a printed or digital exhibition book

You will always retain ownership of your work.

14. Will my name be credited?

Young Creatives: Only the first name and age of the young artist will be displayed.

Adult Creatives: Name and submitted biography may be displayed alongside work.

In both cases, the Entry Form asks how you would like your work to be credited and displayed, and INYBB will aim to respect these preferences wherever possible.

15. When will the exhibition be?

The exhibition at Surrey History Centre will be open from 6th April 2026 to 31st May 2026, after which there will be a touring exhibition, with exact dates and locations TBC.

16. Can people photograph my work at the exhibition?

Yes. Visitors may photograph exhibited works for personal, non-commercial use only

17. What about delivery and collection of artwork?

If selected, we will provide full delivery and collection instructions.
Works must remain on display until the end of the exhibition period and cannot be removed early.

18. Can I submit the entry form in alternative formats?

Yes — we aim to make this open call and exhibition as accessible and inclusive as possible.

If you:

Require alternative formats for the entry form or guidelines
Need assistance completing your submission
Would like to discuss access requirements related to displaying your work or participating in exhibition activities

Please contact us at: hello@itsnotyourbirthdaybut.com

We will do our best to provide reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

19. Will my personal data be safe?

Yes. INYBB complies fully with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your data will only be used for:

Exhibition administration
Communication regarding selection and logistics
Safeguarding and legal requirements

Young people’s full names are never made public.

20. Who can I contact if I have questions?

If your question isn’t covered here, please email: hello@itsnotyourbirthdaybut.com

Return to What Keeps Us Well

Send something you’ve created to someone you appreciate today. When it’s not your birthday but just an ordinary day, it feels even more special to receive something unexpected that someone has made just for you.

Email us:
hello@itsnotyourbirthdaybut.com

Call us on:
020 8079 2938
Monday – Friday
9:30am – 5pm

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