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.
173 Open Call
We will begin accepting submissions for the Annual Open Exhibition on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
Artists can submit up to three works in various media, and the exhibition will run from 12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027.
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).
Image credit: Installation view, 172nd Annual Open Exhibition, 2025. Khali Ackford/KoLAB Studios
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