Organizer Information
The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours was founded in 1831 to promote watercolour painting and provide exhibition opportunities for artists beyond its elected membership. The Institute supports both traditional and experimental approaches to watercolour and water-soluble media, showcasing established and emerging artists.
Its annual exhibition is hosted at Mall Galleries, a central London art venue associated with the Federation of British Artists, a visual arts charity. The exhibition brings together works by Institute members and artists selected through an international open call.
Title & Description
RI 214th Exhibition 2026 — International Open Call for Watercolour and Water-Based Painting
The open call sought high-quality contemporary watercolour and water-based paintings for an exhibition running from 25 March to 11 April 2026. Artists were encouraged to explore the medium through traditional techniques, experimental processes, and innovative approaches to painting.
Selected works were exhibited alongside paintings by RI members in a major annual showcase featuring more than 400 artworks. The opportunity offered artists the chance to present their work to gallery visitors, reach new audiences, potentially sell their paintings, and compete for prizes and awards.
The call welcomed work demonstrating the diversity of contemporary water-based painting rather than restricting submissions to a single subject or artistic style.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Watercolour
- Mixed-media and water-based painting
Accepted media included watercolour, watercolour pencil, acrylic, ink, and gouache, excluding water-soluble oils. Artists were required to identify both the medium and the support used, such as paper, board, wood, or parchment.
Eligibility
The opportunity was open to artists aged 18 and over from any country. Both emerging and established artists, including non-members of the Royal Institute, were eligible to apply.
Applicants could submit up to six original artworks, with a maximum of four works selected per artist. Each work had to:
- Have been completed within the two years preceding the submission.
- Not have been previously exhibited in London.
- Measure no more than 240 cm high and 150 cm wide, including the frame.
- Be an original creation by the submitting artist.
All selected works were subject to the Institute's presentation and eligibility requirements.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists gained the opportunity to exhibit at Mall Galleries alongside members of the Institute, gain public exposure, and offer their paintings for sale. The 2026 exhibition offered prizes and awards valued at over £10,000, including:
- Winsor & Newton Award: £3,000.
- Winsor & Newton Product Prize: £1,000 worth of art materials.
- David Barker Award: Two prizes of £1,000 each, one for an RI member and one for a non-member. Recipients must use the award to further their artistic development through courses or residencies.
- Caran d'Ache Museum Aquarelle Prize: Two £250 prizes, one for a member and one for a non-member, plus watercolour pencil sets.
Prizes were competitive and not guaranteed. Accommodation, travel funding, and artist fees were not listed as benefits.
Application Fee
The non-refundable submission fee for 2026 was:
- £20 per artwork for standard applicants.
- £14 per artwork for artists aged 35 or under.
The fee included free admission to the exhibition. Artists were responsible for the delivery and collection costs of selected works. All exhibited works had to be available for sale, with a minimum price of £350.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 January 2026
- Selection notification: 6 February 2026
- Artwork delivery: 14 March 2026
- Exhibition opening: 25 March 2026
- Exhibition closing: 11 April 2026
- Collection of unsold work: 16 April 2026
Location
In-person exhibition: Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD, United Kingdom
Additional Details
International applicants who are selected must obtain a UK VAT registration number before delivering their work, according to the organizer's stated requirements for non-UK-resident artists. Registration can take up to four weeks. Artists should also review framing, packaging, delivery, collection, and sales commission requirements before applying. Copyright remains with the artist, although the organizer retains the right to reproduce works in connection with the exhibition.