The RWA Annual Exhibition showcases over 500 contemporary works within our historic galleries. Featuring both emerging talent and established names, spanning painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, architecture, sculpture, and mixed-media installation - It represents some of the most exciting artists working across the UK and beyond today. 

Each year, thanks to the support of our generous partners and sponsors, we offer a range of prizes, awarded across mediums and artists at any stage of their careers.  

This years prizes winners are: 

The Academy Prize, £3,000 awarded to Chris Rose for Self Portrait with Guinea Pig  

The Andrew Cole Emerging Artist Prize, £1,000 Awarded in loving memory of Andrew Cole to Joe Wiliams for I'm Fine 

The PJ Crook Prize for Narrative Figurative Painting, £1,000 awarded to Vincent Micheal Brown for Father Holding On 

The Architecture prize, £500 awarded to Lea Alquiroz for Mechanical Circus Theatre 

The Derek Balmer Painting Prize, £300 plus the book ' A Singular Vision' to Angela Lizon VPRWA, Athena and Ares. Divine Retribution 

The Drawing Prize, £300 awarded for excellence in drawing by Fiona Robinson PPRWA to Jane Bottery for Resonance 

The Watercolour Prize, £250 awarded by Consumer Intelligence to Sian Wei for our conversation about trees 

The Niche Print Makers Award Niche Print Makers Award, £250 + printing and framing, £250 awarded to Freya Freeman-Taylor for Wild God  

The Floating Circle Prize, an early career artist prize sponsored by Friends of the RWA, £250 to Hannah Scott for Titan 

The Evolver Magazine Feature Award, a feature article in Evolver magazine to Beth Richardson for Painting  

The Evolver Magazine Front Cover Award, A cover image on an issue of Evolver magazine to Jemma Appleby for  #1290626 

The Cass Art Award, £150 Cass Art Gift voucher awarded to John Garbutt for The Fast Supper 

You can explore the winning artists work alongside over 500 contemporary artworks as part of our 173rd Annual Open Exhibition until 3 January 2027. 

All original artworks and editions are for sale, click here to explore our online catalogue. 

We are delighted that the 173 Annual Open is sponsored by Hive Financial Planning and Abode

Become an RWA Partner

As an independent charity, the RWA is grateful to the sponsors, donors and partners who help make lifelong journeys with art possible for everyone. Sponsorship of the Annual Open Exhibition enables us to champion artists, share outstanding art with new audiences, and create opportunities for people across the region to connect with creativity throughout their lives. To discuss current opportunities and learn more about partnering with the RWA, please contact Caroline Booth Morris, Head of Development on caroline.boothmorris@rwa.org.uk 

Lead image: Angela Lizon VPRWA, Athena and Ares. Divine Retribution credit Alastair Brookes