Organizer Information
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is an artist-led charity that supports artists and promotes contemporary visual arts. Established over two centuries ago, the RBSA Gallery is located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, providing a high-profile platform for both emerging and established creators.
Title & Description
RBSA Summer Show 2026.
This exhibition is an inclusive, anonymous juried show that welcomes a vast array of techniques and media. The selection panel, composed of experienced RBSA Members and Associates, assesses work based purely on quality and interest. This year's show emphasizes a diverse range of current artistic practices, providing a comprehensive snapshot of contemporary art today. All selected works will be featured in a professionally published exhibition catalogue.
Categories
Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Installation, Sculpture, Textile Art, Ceramics, and Digital Art.
Eligibility
- Open to International, national, and local artists aged 18 and over.
- Open to all media (excluding AI-generated images and reproductions/giclee prints).
- RBSA Members & Associates: Guaranteed selection of at least one work (up to 3 entries).
- Graduate Artists: One work automatically selected (free entry).
Program Benefits and Awards
- Cash Prizes: Top awards of £600 and £300 donated by Clive Beardsmore.
- Exhibition: Showcase work in a major contemporary gallery for a 6-week period.
- Publication: Inclusion in the official Summer Show 2026 catalogue.
- Networking: Opportunity to attend the Preview Evening and connect with the RBSA community.
Fees
- Entry Fees:
- 1 entry: £13
- 2 entries: £26
- 3 entries: £39
- Discounts: 50% discount for artists under 35.
- Display Fees: Payable by selected RBSA Friends only (Deadline: May 28).
- Note: All fees are non-refundable.
Application Requirements
- Digital images of the original artwork (JPG format).
- Image Specs: Minimum 2000 pixels across the smallest dimension, 300dpi resolution.
- File Naming:
Surname, First Name. Title of Work. Medium. - Completion of the official online entry form.
How to Apply?
Submissions must be made through the online form on the RBSA website. Apply for RBSA Summer Show 2026
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 5, 2026 (4:00 PM).
- Selected Artists Announced: By May 21, 2026 (5:00 PM).
- Delivery of Work: June 9 – June 13, 2026 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
- Exhibition Dates: June 18 – August 1, 2026.
- Preview Evening: June 18, 2026 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
- Collection of Work: August 2, 2026 (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM).
Location
United Kingdom, Birmingham (RBSA Gallery).
Additional Details
Work previously shown at the RBSA Gallery is ineligible. All equipment for video works must be PAT tested, and headphones must be provided for sound elements as sound cannot be played openly in the gallery. Insurance is the responsibility of the artist.