royal society of portrait painters open call

Artists are invited to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters at the RP Annual Exhibition 2026

The Royal Society of Portrait Painters invites artists around the world to submit portraits for its annual exhibition. The Society welcomes paintings, drawings and original prints from artists aged 18 and over, in the UK and internationally.

The total prize fund is £35,000, including The William Lock Portrait Prize (£20,000).

Selected artists will have their work exhibited in a prestigious showcase at Mall Galleries, London, at which a number of works will sell and a number of commissions will be placed.

Submissions are open between 12 noon on Monday 3 November 2025 and Tuesday 3 February 2026