The Open West is an annual open competition and exhibition inviting submissions from national and international artists practising contemporary and conceptual art, inclusive of painting, installation, film, photography, ceramics, print and sculpture.

The 2011 judging panel were Richard Billingham, Matthew Raw, Lyn Cluer Coleman and Sarah Goodwin. 45 artists in total were selected and the 4 award winners were announced on Friday 11 February at the private view. Award winners for 2011 are:
Shan Hur, Helen Murgatroyd, Ellen Nolan and David Theobald.

These artists will take part in an exhibition curated by Sarah Goodwin and Lyn Cluer Coleman in September at the Gardens Gallery in Cheltenham

The open west 2011 continues to 5 March at Summerfield Gallery, Pittville Studios, University of Gloucestershire, Albert Road, Cheltenham.