The Royal Society of Portrait Painters opens call for RP Annual Exhibition 2026

  • Award, Competition
  • United Kingdom
  • Paid Funding Type
  • Deadline in 2 months
https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/open-calls/royal-society-portrait-painters
  November 26, 2025

About Opportunity

The internationally recognized Royal Society of Portrait Painters is accepting submissions from both international and local artists for its RP Annual Exhibition 2026, to be held at Mall Galleries in London, U.K. Eligible media include paintings, drawings, and original prints, including digital and iPad-based works. Submissions will be reviewed by the international selection committee of Mall Galleries alongside members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Selected works will be exhibited, and outstanding artists will be considered for awards across multiple categories. The total prize fund is £35,000, including the William Lock Portrait Prize valued at £20,000.

About Organizer

The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, founded in 1891, emerged from a group of artists who sought greater recognition for portraiture within the British art scene. It received royal status in 1911 and has since remained committed to promoting excellence in portrait painting through exhibitions, public programs, and a dedicated portrait commission service. Mall Galleries, the central London venue that hosts the Society’s annual exhibitions, is home to the Federation of British Artists, established in 1961. Known for its strong focus on figurative and contemporary art, the gallery presents a wide range of exhibitions, educational events, and major art prizes each year.

Details

Eligibility:

  • Both professional and emerging artists over the age of 18 from across the globe can participate in this exhibition

Project/event location:

  • London U.K.

Participation fee:

  • There is submission fee of £22 

Award/prize: 

  • Exhibition at Mall Galleries

  • Cash awards totally - £35,000

  • Artworks on sale

Application requirements:

  • Online application form in English

  • CV/portfolio 

  • Artist statement

  • Artwork images (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

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

  • Works must have been completed in the last three years and not been exhibited in London previously

The submission closes:

  • 3 February, 2026

Specifications

Opportunity Types
Award, Competition
Event Location
United Kingdom
Deadline
03 February, 2026
Funding Type
Paid
Applicant Country
United Kingdom
Open to
Worldwide