We are delighted to say that the RWA is reopening from Saturday 17 April - Sunday 9 May 2021 to enable potential art buyers to visit the 168 Annual Open Exhibition. This exhibition presents a stunning variety of work from emerging and established artists and we are able to open as we currently qualify as a 'retail gallery', defined as one "where the majority of the art on display is for sale”, which are included in phase 2 of the lockdown easing.  Our usual strong, COVID-secure measures are in place to make sure your visit is as safe as possible, with limited numbers of visitors in the building at any one time. 

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 is for sale, making the Annual Open a perfect opportunity to discover new artists or invest in well-known names.  While we have been closed all artworks have been available for purchase online HERE and you can still do this until 9 May.

Always popular with art lovers, last year’s spectacular exhibition attracted over 10,000 visitors. This year's Annual Open includes work by our invited artists Rebecca Salter PRA and Frank Bowling OBE RA as well as the RWA Academicians. 

A selection panel assesses every entry and this year over 600 works made it into the final exhibition. This year's selectors include RWA Academicians Fiona Robinson, Ros Ford, Seyed Edalatpour, Andrew Muñoz and Wendy Elia, alongside artist and gallerist Zavier Ellis, writer and curator Anna McNay and Bridget Riley Art Foundation Curator at the British Museum Isabel Seligman.

Listen to our exhibition audio guide

Ever wondered how the Annual Open exhibition happens? Listen to our audio guide to hear more about the exhibition and its history.

Please read before booking: 

Due to Covid-19, the number of people entering the building is currently restricted. Tickets are bookable in slots every half an hour and we advise that you allow between 1 and 2 hours to view the exhibition. Please plan your visit so as not to arrive too early as you will not be able to access the building until your booked slot.

Please note: Galleries will close at 5pm (last booking 4pm). On Sunday 25th April we will be closing the building at 3pm and on 27th April we will be opening late at 12.30pm.

Find out more about this exhibition via social media using #RWA168

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