173 Annual Open Exhibition
12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027
Taking place between 12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027, our 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.
With a strong emphasis on supporting artists through sales, the exhibition attracts over 10,000 visitors annually. Last year alone, the show generated over £150,000 in sales of original works and prints. The exhibition also features programme of artist talks, guided tours, and preview events.
Selection of works
Selection is overseen by a panel of guest experts alongside RWA Academicians. This year, we are delighted to welcome:
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Sheryll Catto: As Artistic Director and CEO of ActionSpace, Sheryll has spent years dismantling the margins around learning-disabled artists
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Ceri Hand: is a creative coach, mentor, public speaker and business founder supporting thousands of creatives each year.
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Paul Hedge: Co-founder of Hales Gallery (London/New York), bringing over 30 years of international art world expertise.
Representing the Academy are Hamish Young PRWA (President), Angela Lizon VPRWA (Vice President), and Academicians Katie Davies RWA and Sarah Gillespie RWA.
Find out more about the selectors here.
173 Annual Open Prizes
Thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters we offer a range of prizes for exhibiting artists in the Annual Open, this year prizes so far include the Cass Art Award, Watercolour 1st Prize, Derek Balmer Painting Prize, Evolver Magazine Front Cover Award, Evolver Magazine Feature Award, The Drawing Prize, The Floating Circle Prize, Niche Print Makers Award, Pangolin Sculpture Prize, Andrew Cole Emerging Artist Prize, The PJ Crook Prize for Narrative Figurative Painting and the RWA Architecture Award
173 Annual Open Invited artist
In addition to selected works, each year the RWA invites a contemporary artist to showcase their practice in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the arts. Mohammad Barrangi will present work as this year’s Invited Artist, following in the footsteps of previous invited artists such as Sir Frank Bowling OBE RA RWA (Hon), Charmaine Watkiss RWA, Maria Lalić RWA (Hon) and Rebecca Salter PRA RWA (Hon).
About the Annual Open
With a strong emphasis on supporting artists through sales, the exhibition attracts over 10,000 visitors annually. Last year alone, the show generated over £150,000 in sales of original works and prints.
By taking part, artists not only share their work with thousands of visitors—they also help sustain the RWA, an independent charity (charity number 1070163). Submission income provides essential support to preserve its historically significant building, present an ambitious programme of exhibitions, and deliver transformational creative opportunities for people of all ages across Bristol.
We are delighted that the 173 Annual Open is sponsored by Hive Financial Planning and Abode
Image credit: Installation view, 172nd Annual Open Exhibition, 2025. Khali Ackford/KoLAB Studios
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