172 Annual Open Exhibtion

Showcase Your Work in One of the UK’s Leading Open Exhibitions 

The RWA Annual Open Exhibition is one of the UK’s most prestigious open-submission exhibitions, welcoming artists at all stages of their careers. Now in its 172nd year, this highly anticipated event provides a platform for emerging and established artists to exhibit and sell their work in the RWA’s stunning Grade II*-listed galleries.  

Why Enter?  

• A Respected Platform – Join a legacy of artists, including Vanessa Bell, David Hockney, Peter Blake, Mary Fedden, and Sir Frank Bowling.  

• Reach a Wide Audience – Showcase your work to curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts.  

• A Chance to Sell Your Work – The exhibition attracts prominent art buyers, who are looking to add new and exciting work to their collections  

• Diverse Media Welcome – We accept painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, architecture, textile and more.  

Key dates

• Submissions open: 10 April 2025
• Submissions close: 16 June 2025 
• Results announced: 21 July 2025 
• Hand-in days for selected artworks: 16 August, 17 August, 18 August 2025 
• Private View and Varnishing Day: 5 September 2025 
• Exhibition open: 6 September 2025 
• Exhibition Closes: 4 January 2026

How to Submit 

• Step 1: Prepare high-quality digital images of your work. 
  Step 2: Complete the online submission form. 
  Step 3: Pay the submission fee and upload your artwork. 

Submission prices: £22 per item, max three items (concession rates are available)