Next Generation RBSA 2026 Call for Entries

About This Exhibition

The Next Generation RBSA programme is triennial opportunity open to early-career visual artists based in the West Midlands. Through the programme, the Society is offering a small number of artists the opportunity to enjoy the benefits a three-year free membership of the Society.

In order to be eligible to apply for the programme, artists must fit the following criteria:

• You may have graduated from an arts-related course within the past few years or you could be a self-taught artist who has chosen to take another route to start your artistic journey
• You have a growing body of work that has been shown in exhibitions, but you feel that you would benefit from access to more opportunities
• You live within easy reach of the gallery
• You have an ongoing and demonstrable commitment to making art
• You are prepared to involve yourself in Society activities, such as installing or taking down exhibitions, as a volunteer, and work alongside the existing membership
• You are keen to learn and forge relationships with others in the Society

The Process

Artists wishing to take part in the exhibition will be selected by the RBSA Director and RBSA Members through a two-stage application process:

• Applications to become a Next Generation RBSA artists should be made via the RBSA website by completing the online entry form. Artists will be required to submit between six and 10 images that demonstrate their current practice. A statement will also be required that tells us about their artistic journey, style, and techniques.
• Shortlisted artists will then be invited to attend an interview at the RBSA Gallery during the specified dates. This will enable the selection panel to discuss the artist’s artworks in person and gain a deeper understanding of their body of work and artistic practice. Artists may also receive advice and guidance on which artworks should be included in the exhibition if they are successful in your application.

Selection

Selected artists will be invited to show their work as part of the exhibition, which is free to enter, and will receive guidance on the development of their creative practice, which artworks to show in the exhibition, and the practicalities of exhibition design and installation.

Next Generation RBSA – The Benefits

Several exhibiting artists will be offered the position of Next Generation RBSA artist (NGRBSA) at the end of the show. Next Generation RBSA artists, will receive three-years free membership of the Society, enabling them to exhibit in all RBSA Membership exhibitions without paying subscription, entry, or display fees.

NGRBSAs would benefit from being part of an arts society of fellow artists who could provide support and advice on how to develop their career.

Benefits will include:

• Automatic acceptance into two exhibitions at the RBSA Gallery each year during your period as an NGRBSA
• An opportunity to have a solo exhibition in one the three ground floor Membership spaces
• Guidance on technique, style, and presentation
• Networking
• Marketing training
• Commercial gallery insights
• Learning the art of hanging exhibitions
• Information regarding financial sustainability as an artist
• Guidance in applying for grants and funding
• Balancing teaching/paid work with art practice to allow the development of new work

Image: Ross McCormick, An Act Of Contention