Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 2026 Art Exhibition is Accepting Artworks

  • Award, exhibition
  • United Kingdom
  • Paid Funding Type
  • Ongoing
https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/open-calls/royal-institute-painters-water-colours
  October 22, 2025

About Opportunity

The internationally recognized, UK-based Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) invites both international and regional artists, creators, and painters to submit their works for the 2026 RI Exhibition. The Institute welcomes emerging and established artists who explore and expand the possibilities of watercolour through both traditional and experimental techniques. Eligible submissions include artworks created in watercolour or other water-soluble media, such as watercolour pencil, acrylic, ink, or gouache (excluding water-soluble oils), on any suitable support. The international exhibition, scheduled for spring 2026, offers participants the opportunity to win cash prizes and awards exceeding £10,000, as well as the opportunity to have their works displayed at the Mall Galleries in London, UK. All works for exhibition will be selected by a committee composed of members of the Institute.

About Organizer

The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI), founded in 1831 in London, is one of the oldest and most prestigious watercolor societies in the world. Its mission is to promote excellence and innovation in the practice of watercolor painting, celebrating both traditional and contemporary approaches. The Institute provides a platform for artists to exhibit their work, exchange ideas, and advance the appreciation of watercolor as a vital and expressive art form.

Details

 

Eligibility:

  • Both emerging and established artists, painters, over the age of 18, from all over the world can participate in this exhibition

Project/event location:

  • London, U.K

Participation fee:

  • There is a non-refundable submission fee of £20 per work, or £14 per work for artists aged 35 or under

Award/prize: 

  • The Winsor & Newton Award £3,000

  • The Winsor & Newton Product Prize £1,000 worth of Winsor & Newton art materials

  • Different cash prizes totalling of £10,000 in multiple subcategories

  • Exhibition

  • Artworks on sale

Application requirements:

  • Online application form

  • CV/portfolio

  • Artist statement  

  • Upload artwork’s image/s in JPEG or PNG format and under 5MB

  • One image per submission must be submitted, showing the complete work. An optional two additional images per work may be submitted, showing details

  • Artworks description 

  • Works should not be larger than 240 cm high and 150 cm wide including the frame

  • Works must have been completed within the last two years and should not have been previously shown in London

  • Artists may enter a maximum of six works each, from which up to four works per artist may be selected

  • If selected, artworks should be delivered on 14 March, to Mall Galleries, U.K

The submission closes:

  • 23 January, 2026

Selected artists will be notified:

  • 6 February, 2026

Specifications

Opportunity Types
Award, exhibition
Event Location
United Kingdom
Deadline
Ongoing
Funding Type
Paid
Applicant Country
United Kingdom
Open to
Worldwide