Bristol’s first Annual Open Exhibition returns for 169th year after major refurbishment

The RWA (Royal West of England Academy) is delighted to announce that submissions are now open for the 169th Annual Open Exhibition, so artists can apply to be in the exhibition from now until the 14 August 2022.

Anyone can enter their work for this mixed discipline show and work is judged purely on its own merits, anonymously, rather than on the artist's CV. Entries are open to artists across the UK and beyond and there’s no age limit: previous exhibitors’ ages have ranged from 15 to 100+.

The exhibition includes painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, film, sculpture and illustration by artists ranging from leading professionals, to emerging talent, from across the UK and beyond. 

A selection panel assesses every entry and all work is for sale; with the exhibition attracting art-lovers and art-buyers from far and wide.

RWA saw a record number of submissions for the 168th Annual Open Exhibition and restrictions at the time lead to over 650 artworks being hung by a team of two during the height of the Covid pandemic. The ever-changing environment during that period meant that the building was shut for many months, with artists' works locked inside.

Many of the themes of the 168 Annual Open reflected the issues surrounding artists at the time. This was a highly popular show when it reopened in 2021 despite the restrictions that were still in place.

RWA are pleased to be bringing this exhibition to Bristol in less challenging circumstances this year and artists will find their work being hung in the beautifully refurbished gallery spaces following a £4.5m transformation.

Alison Bevan, RWA Director, says: “We look forward to seeing what themes come out of the show this year, and the vast array of creative talent the Open exhibition attracts. The show is always a feast for the eyes, no matter what kind of art you enjoy, so I promise every visitor will find lots to love!”

This year’s Annual Open will run from 8 October – 8 January 2023. Pre-Covid, RWA achieved record visitor numbers to the 167 Annual Open with over 10,000 visitors. The RWA hope to expand on this following the transformation of their building.

The selection panel this year includes Academicians' President, Fiona Robinson PRWA, RWA Academicians; Sarah Gillespie, Dorcas Casey, Nicholas Turner and Hamish Young, alongside Mark Golder (collector and benefactor, Golder Thompson Collection), Sue Hubbard (Art Critic, poet and novelist) and Invited Artist, Matthew Burrows MBE (founder of the Artists' Support Pledge).

There are a range of prizes for artists this year including a £5k cash prize. For more info and ways to apply head to rwaopen.co.uk.

The Annual Open reflects the ongoing commitment of the RWA to champion world-class art in the region and create opportunities for new and emerging talent.

All work will be for sale online and in the galleries which helps support artists. The income from submissions & art sales is a vital source of support for the RWA, an independent charity (1070163), in order to maintain its historically significant building, present its ambitious programme of exhibitions and deliver creative opportunities for young people and adults across Bristol.