Art / rwa
Submissions open for annual RWA Open Exhibition
The RWA has announced that submissions are now open for its 169th Annual Open Exhibition.
The exhibition, which includes painting, drawing, printmaking, photography film, sculpture and illustration, features work 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 buyers alike.
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Last year’s winner was Dinah, a film by Pierre Niyongira that traverses between 17th and 21st century Bristol contextualising the true story of Dinah, a slave in Bristol in 1687.
RWA saw a record number of submissions for the 168th Annual Open Exhibition and restrictions at the time led to over 650 artworks being hung by a team of two during the height of the Covid pandemic.
The ever-changing environment during the period led to artists’ work being locked inside the building for many months while it was shut.
RWA is now bringing the exhibition to Bristol in less challenging circumstances this year. Artists will get the added bonus of having their work hung in the newly refurbished gallery space which opened in May 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!”
The selection panel this year is an eclectic mix of collectors, art critics, artists and academics. Artist Fiona Robinson, and other members of the RWA Academicians such as Dorcas Casey, Nicholas Turner and Sarah Gillespie will sit on this year’s panel.
They will be joined by collector and benefactor, Mark Golder, art critic, poet and novelist, Sue Hubbard and invited artist, Matthew Birrows MBE.
Prizes range, but the star of the show is a £5k cash prize.
This year’s open exhibition will run from October 8 to January 8 2023.
Artists can apply to be in the exhibition from now until August 14 2022.
Main photo: RWA
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