RBSA Candidates Exhibition 2026
Application deadline: Monday 2 February, 6.00pm
Application fee deadline: Monday 9 February, 4.00pm
Exhibition runs: Thursday 16 April – Saturday 2 May 2026
About This Exhibition
The RBSA Candidates Exhibition features the work of artists wishing to be elected to the Society, either as Associates or, for existing Associates, full Members. The current Membership is able to view the exhibition and vote for the artists they would like to see successfully elected. The exhibition is also open to the public which provides an exciting opportunity for visitors to see the high standard of work by prospective RBSA Members and Associates. RBSA Associates may only apply to become a full Member three years after their election as Associate.
All candidates for Associateship and Membership are asked to submit six works as part of their application. Those existing Members and Associates who visit the exhibition are able to vote for their Associate choices in a secret ballot. To be successfully elected, each candidate must receive 50% +1 of the total votes cast in favour of their candidature.
A digital catalogue featuring all the artworks in the exhibition will accompany the show. This allows the Membership to view the submissions at their leisure prior to visiting the Gallery to vote. The digital catalogue is emailed to the Membership once the exhibition opens.
Artists wishing to be elected as Associate or Member have two application options: Self-nomination and Nomination. Self-nomination is for artists who have a strong record of participation in RBSA Open/Prize Exhibitions. Nomination is for artists who have an existing link with at least two RBSA Members, as well as a strong record of participation in RBSA Prize Exhibitions. There are separate entry forms for each application option so candidates must ensure they complete the correct form.
Self-nominated candidates must submit six artworks with their entry information by 6pm on Monday 2 February.
Nominated candidates must submit their entry information by 6pm on Monday 2 February. Following discussions with their proposer and seconder they must submit six artworks by 6pm on Monday 16 March. A reminder email will be sent with the link to the artwork submission form before this date.
Key Dates – RBSA Print Prize 2026
- Entry Deadline: Monday 2 February 6pm
- Application Fee Payment Deadline: Monday 9 February 4pm
- Selected Candidates (Self-nominated) Announced by: End February
- Image submission deadline (Nominated candidates only): Monday 16 March 6pm
- Delivery of work:
- Tuesday 7 April, 11am – 4pm
- Wednesday 8 April, 11am – 4pm
- Thursday 9 April, 11am – 4pm
- Friday 10 April, 11am – 4pm
- Saturday 11 April, 11am – 4pm
- Exhibition on display: Thursday 16 April – Saturday 2 May
- Collection of work: Sunday 3 May, 12pm – 2pm
Image: Adam De Ville ARBSA, Forever Not Yet
Candidates for Associateship
Candidates for Membership
How to Enter
Entry to the exhibition is via the online form listed above.
Before entering, please ensure that you have read and understood everything outlined in the appropriate exhibition pack, and that your work adheres to our terms and conditions.
Application Fee
All applications must pay a one-off application fee of £60.
Payments
- AT PRESENT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO TAKE APPLICATION FEE PAYMENTS ONLINE
- Card payments can be taken at the Gallery or over the phone.
- All application fees must be paid by Monday 9 February, 4pm otherwise work will not be considered for selection.
- Please note that all application fees are non-refundable.
Images of artwork
When submitting artwork, please ensure that photographs of the work are at least 2000 pixels across the smallest dimension and 300dpi in resolution. Image files must be JPG.