Call for Artists: 173 Annual Open Exhibition
7 April - 22 June 2026
Taking place between 12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027, our Annual Exhibition features 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.
Submissions for the 173 Annual Open are between Tuesday 7 April and Monday 22 June 2026. Further details, including FAQ's can be found at the bottom of this page.
Selection of works
Selection is overseen by a panel of guest experts alongside RWA Academicians. This year, we are delighted to welcome:
-
Sheryll Catto: As Artistic Director and CEO of ActionSpace, Sheryll has spent years dismantling the margins around learning-disabled artists
-
Ceri Hand: is a creative coach, mentor, public speaker and business founder supporting thousands of creatives each year.
-
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 and The PJ Crook Prize for Narrative Figurative Painting.
Support with Submissions
We are hosting two in-person events to offer support with the application process online. On these days, you can visit the RWA in person or book a time with a member of the Exhibitions Team. Please contact exhibition@rwa.org.uk to arrange in advance, we cannot accommodate walk-ins.
-
Wednesday 13 May
-
Wednesday 10 June
Important information
Public entry
-
Submit online via our portal here
-
Opening of online entry form: Tuesday 7 April 2026
- Closure of online entry form and payment: Monday 22 June 2026
Academicians' entry
-
Submit online via our portal here
-
Opening of online entry form: Tuesday 7 April 2026
-
Closure of online entry form and payment: Monday 22 June 2026
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.
Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with RWA news
Related
Dance Out
09 May - 09 August 2026
Inspired by dance, a spectacular exhibition of paintings, films, works on paper with a live programme
From Free to £11
This Is Jungle Takeover
19 May – 28 June 2026
Take a visual journey through the history of jungle music as we honour and celebrate its 30-year legacy in Bristol and the Southwest.
Free
The Human Dance
28 April - 21 June 2026
This exhibition draws together the work of five Academicians whose work touches on dance.
Free
Folly
23 June - 30 August 2026
An exhibition of Academicians exploring the common theme of folly through their work.
Free