OPEN CALL for RWA 172 Annual Open Exhibition

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)