The Festival of Cats returns to Pie Factory Margate this year with a joyful celebration of feline inspired art, performance, and cultural curiosity – and organisers are inviting artists to get involved.
The open call welcomes submissions from artists of all ages to share their work that explores our enduring fascination with cats. Whether inspired by myth, movement, or mischief, the festival is seeking contributions that are inventive, playful and fun. There is no cost to submit work or exhibit, and the open call is open to all ages.
Festival director Jemma Channing said: “The Festival of Cats has always celebrated creativity, humour and connection. We’ve worked with hundreds of artists since we started in 2018. We’re delighted to keep this legacy going with this year’s open call, which invites artists to submit work on the theme of cats.
“We have always aimed to create an open and welcoming atmosphere, we’re proud to have supported many artists to have exhibited and shared their work for the first time.”
The Festival of Cats 2026 takes place from May 1-5 and will also include a wider programme of events. Highlights including Cat Drag Life Drawing, Old Possum’s Poetry Reading, a screening of CatVideoFest at the Palace Cinema and special appearances from The Cat Show and internet favourites Sigrid and Travis, with more to be announced.
This year’s festival is sponsored by The Job Muscroft Gallery in Margate.
Job Muscroft said: “The Festival of Cats is truly a unique event bringing together art from across the globe to celebrate the joy that cats bring to our lives.
“Job Muscroft Gallery is excited to sponsor the festival this year and we can’t wait to see all the glorious cats that will be coming to Margate in May.”
Deadline for submissions: 22nd March 2026
How to apply: Visit www.festivalofcats.com for full details and submission guidelines
i could not think of anything more pointless, cats are the most vile disloyal creatures on four legs , they are only happy when the are ruining peoples gardens and slaughtering small birds and animals for no reason.
You would fall in love with a cat if given the chance.
Get over yourself real world!
It’s all hate,hate,hate,with real world. He’d be better off taking a walk along the cliff tops on a windy day.