RBSA Prize 2026
An open media exhibition of contemporary work
ENTRY DEADLINE: TUESDAY 11 AUGUST 4.00PM
Entry fees deadline: Tuesday 11 AUGUST, 5.00pm
Exhibition runs: Thursday 1 – Saturday 31 October 2026
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.
Key Dates – RBSA Prize 2026
- Entry Deadline: Tuesday 11 August 4.00pm
- Entry Fee Payment Deadline: Tuesday 11 August 5.00pm
- Selected Works Announced: by Friday 4 September 5.00pm
- Delivery of work:
- Tuesday 22 September 11.00am – 4.00pm
- Wednesday 23 September 11.00am – 4.00pm
- Thursday 24 September 11.00am – 4.00pm
- Friday 25 September 11.00am – 4.00pm
- Saturday 26 September 11.00am – 4.00pm
- Exhibition on display: Thursday 1 – Saturday 31 October
- Preview Evening: Thursday 1 October 6.00pm – 8.00pm
- Collection of work: Sunday 1 November 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Image: Richard Baker, French Blue Chair (detail)
How to Enter
Entry to the exhibition is via the online form listed above.
Artists may enter up to four pieces of work in total.
- 50% discount for artists under 35 (please provide proof on delivery of artwork)
- Free for RBSA Honorary Members and RBSA Graduate Artists
Before entering, please ensure that you have read and understood everything outlined in the exhibition pack, and that your work adheres to our terms and conditions.
Entry Fees
- One entry, £20
- Two entries, £32
- Three entries, £40
- Four entries, £48
Payments
- Payments can be made on this page using the links below.
- Card payments can be taken at the Gallery or over the phone, the Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm.
- Please phone the Gallery to pay over the phone if you are under 35 and eligible for the 50% discount.
- All entry fees must be paid by Tuesday 11 August, 5.00pm otherwise work will not be considered for selection.
- Please note that all entry and display fees are non-refundable.
- Free for RBSA Honorary Members and Graduate Artists.
International artists please note, if your work is selected, we require proof of postage via email by Thursday 10 September.
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.
