The RWA's renowned Annual Open Exhibition will be returning for its 169th year with a stunning variety of work from emerging and established artists.

This dynamic and varied exhibition invites painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation and mixed media submissions and is a showcase of some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond. 

All work will be for sale, making the Annual Open a perfect opportunity to discover new artists or invest in well-known names.  

A selection panel assesses every entry and this year over 500 works will make it into the final exhibition. The panel this year includes; Academicians' President, Fiona Robinson PRWA, RWA Academicians; Sarah Gillespie, Dorcas Casey and Hamish Young, alongside Mark Golder (collector and benefactor, Golder Thompson Collection), Sue Hubbard (Art Critic, poet and novelist) and our invited artist, Matthew Burrows MBE (founder of the Artists' Support Pledge).

The RWA as a Charity

The Annual Open reflects the RWA’s ongoing commitment to championing world-class art in the region and creating opportunities for new and emerging talent. Income from submissions is a vital source of support for the RWA, an independent charity (1070163), in order to maintain its historically significant building, present its ambitious programme of exhibitions and deliver creative opportunities for young people and adults across Bristol.

Find out more about this exhibition: #RWA169

Image: 168 Annual Open Exhibition, installation view, RWA, 2021. Photo: Alice Hendy.