royal watercolour society open 2026
Formerly known as the Contemporary Watercolour Competition (among many other names during the exhibition's 50+ year history), the RWS Open is one of the largest open-submission water-media exhibitions in the world, attracting thousands of submissions nationally and internationally each year. Successful applicants in the early stages of their art career often consider exhibiting as a springboard to other successes such as forming relationships with collectors, gallerists and curators. Not forgetting to mention that many exhibitors go on to become successfully elected RWS Members.
The Society celebrates water media in all its forms including ink, acrylic, gouache, tempera...the list goes on. For 2026 the RWS would like to invite artists of all backgrounds, at any stage of their career to submit works on paper in any (and all) water-based-media.
Successful applicants can expect
To have their selected artwork be included in the RWS Open exhibition at Bankside Gallery, located next to Tate Modern on the Thames Path
Eligibility to win awards on this year's prize list, including the RWS Young Artist Award & the Michael Harding Grand Prize
Their selected artwork to appear on the Royal Watercolour Society website for the duration of the exhibition and beyond
To be part of a network of present and past exhibiting artists
Opportunities to meet Members of the RWS for networking and potential Membership proposal