About the Open Call

The Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP) invites artists to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the RP at its Annual Exhibition 2026. This annual opportunity allows artists who paint people to have their works displayed with peers, showcasing both emerging and established talent. The exhibition will take place at Mall Galleries, London. The Society welcomes paintings, drawings, and original prints from artists aged 18 and over, in the UK and internationally. The total prize fund for the exhibition is £35,000, including significant awards such as The William Lock Portrait Prize (£20,000), The Faringdon Prize (£5,000 for drawing), The de Laszlo Foundation Award (£3,000 for artists aged 35 or under), The RP Prize for the Best Small Portrait (£2,000), and The Raw Umber Studios Prize (£2,000). Selected artists will have their work exhibited in a prestigious showcase where works will be available for sale and commissions may be placed. Key dates include submissions opening on 3 November 2025 and closing on 3 February 2026, with the exhibition running from 7 May to 16 May 2026.

What is Offered

Exhibition at Mall Galleries, London; potential for art sales and commissions; total prize fund of £35,000 including The William Lock Portrait Prize (£20,000), The Faringdon Prize (£5,000), The de Laszlo Foundation Award (£3,000), The RP Prize for the Best Small Portrait (£2,000), and The Raw Umber Studios Prize (£2,000).

Requirements

Open to any artist aged 18 or over, worldwide. Artists may enter a maximum of four works; up to three works per artist may be selected. Eligible works include paintings, drawings, and original prints (including digital/iPad prints); sculpture and photography are not admissible. Works should be based on a sitting or study of the human figure from life, completed in the last three years, and not previously exhibited in London. Works should not be larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension. All works must be an original creation by the artist. If for sale, work must have a minimum sale price of £300 (framed prints: £180, unframed prints: £120). Frames or stretchers should be substantial; metal frames, unprotected glass edges, and clip frames are inadmissible. Artists are responsible for delivery and collection costs. International artists selected for exhibition must register for a UK VAT number.

How to Apply

All work must be submitted online via the Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS) between 12 noon on Monday 3 November 2025 and Tuesday 3 February 2026. Upload one primary image per submission in JPEG or PNG format (under 5MB), with an option for two additional detail images. Provide the title, medium, size (cm), year of completion, and price (if for sale). Pre-selection results will be notified on Wednesday 11 February. If pre-selected, physical works must be delivered unwrapped to Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD, on Saturday 28 February, 10am to 5pm. International artists are selected online only and will be advised on shipping if selected. A non-refundable submission fee of £22 per work applies, or £14.50 per work for artists aged 35 or under. International artists selected for exhibition must register for a UK VAT number with HMRC.