RBSA Prize 2026 Call for Entries

About This Exhibition

The biennial RBSA Prize celebrates creativity and innovation by promoting work at the cutting edge of contemporary art. While this call is open to artists based locally, nationally, and internationally, we encourage those with more contemporary practices to submit work, allowing the RBSA to shine a light on work that is pushing boundaries. All styles and media are eligible, and we invite entries from both established and emerging artists.

The RBSA Gallery is an exciting contemporary arts venue based in the heart of Birmingham city centre and the historic Jewellery Quarter. The Gallery is run by one of the oldest arts societies in the country, with a history that extends over 200 years, and includes some eminent names from art history and the history of Birmingham itself. As such, the RBSA Prize provides selected artists with an excellent platform for professional networking, as well as the chance to showcase their artwork to a large and diverse audience.

All artists can enter up to four pieces of work and selection for the exhibition will be made based on a digital image of the original artwork only. All works entered go through the same anonymous selection process, no artists are automatically selected. The selection is based on the assessment of the quality and interest of each work.

The selection panel is TBC.

The following prizes will be awarded:

• First Prize £1000
• Second Prize £500
• Third Prize £250 
• Up to six highly commended certificates will also be awarded

A catalogue featuring all works will be published alongside the exhibition.

Image: Richard Baker, French Blue Chair (detail)