For all you practising artists out there, have you ever thought of applying to become part of the RBSA Membership? If the answer to that question is yes, the RBSA Candidates Exhibition 2026 could be your next step.
How does the Membership work?
Every year, artists who would like to join the Society as an Associate can apply for the RBSA Candidates Exhibition. Open to artists who have a strong history of exhibiting in Society shows (excluding the RBSA Friends Exhibition), this exhibition gives the existing Membership the opportunity to view the work of prospective Associates and vote for those they would like to see join the RBSA.
From Associate to Member
Once an artist has been an RBSA Associate for at least three years, they can apply to become a Candidate for full Membership.
Every Candidate, whether applying to become an Associate or Member, must submit a collection of six works which are representative of their current practice. To be successfully elected, Candidates must receive 50% +1 of the votes cast by the current Membership, who must vote in person in the Gallery.
Application Route: Self-Nomination
Candidates for both Associate and Member have the option of applying via one of two routes.
If you have a history of exhibiting with the Society, then you are permitted to self-nominate. You will need to provide a list of the RBSA open/prize exhibitions in which you have participated, detail any other involvement with the RBSA, and submit six artworks as part of your application.
Application Route: Nomination
If you have a history of exhibiting with the Society and have the backing of two current RBSA Members, then they are permitted to nominate you for Associateship. As well as providing a list of exhibition participation, you will also need to provide signatures from your Proposer and Seconder to demonstrate their support. They will be responsible for helping you select the work to submit as part of your application.
Why become an Associate?
If you are successfully elected to become an RBSA Associate, you will benefit from countless opportunities to further your artistic career. These include:
- Automatic selection for the RBSA Annual Exhibition and Summer Show
- A free solo exhibition once every two years
- Invitations to Society events to meet other Members and Associates
- The option to join the exhibition installation or take down teams in leadership roles
- Hosting one-day paid workshops in the Gallery
How do I apply?
Visit the call for entries page, and read the exhibition pack. We will also be hosting an event at the Gallery on Sunday 11 January 2.00pm – 4.00pm during which prospective Candidates can meet current Members of the Society and find out more about the application process.
Once you have a good understanding of what’s involved, simply complete the appropriate online entry form, detailing all of the required information. You will be contacted to confirm that your candidature has been accepted and then it is simply a case of delivering your work to the Gallery on the given dates.
