At a Glance
- Tasks: Submit your artwork for a chance to showcase your talent in a major exhibition.
- Company: Royal Society of Portrait Painters, promoting diverse artistic expression.
- Benefits: Win £5,000 and gain exposure through a curated show at the University of Hull.
- Other info: Submit up to three works; young artists enjoy discounted entry fees.
- Why this job: Explore the human form creatively and redefine portraiture with your unique style.
- Qualifications: Open to all artists aged 18+, amateur or professional.
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP) is a distinguished institution dedicated to championing stylistic and intellectual diversity within the tradition of portraiture. While upholding historical values, the Society actively seeks to develop new artistic perspectives.
This international open call invites artists, designers, and creatives to explore the immediate and direct nature of drawing as a response to the human form. The Society is keen to expand the traditional definition of a 'portrait,' welcoming bold, original, and thought-provoking depictions of people in any drawing style or technique. Up to 120 works will be selected for a major exhibition, offering artists at all career stages the chance to showcase their observational skills and meaningful engagement with the human subject.
Categories: Drawing and Portraiture.
Eligibility: Open to International and UK-based artists, designers, and makers. Applicants must be aged 18 or over (amateur or professional). Work must be a 2D medium that can be considered a drawing. Pieces must have been completed within the last three years. Minimum sale price (if for sale) is £300. Maximum dimension: 1.8m along the longest side.
Program Benefits and Awards:
- The RP Drawing Prize: £5,000 cash award.
- Exhibition: Inclusion in a curated show at the University of Hull Art Gallery.
- Sales Opportunity: Works can be listed for sale through a dedicated online catalogue and sales site (30% + VAT commission).
- Commission Management: Selected artists can advertise for portrait commissions via the FBA Art Consultancy.
- Publication: Exposure through the Society's marketing channels and exhibition material.
Fees:
- Standard Entry: £20 per work.
- Young Artist (35 or under): £12 per work (proof of age required).
- Maximum of three works may be submitted.
Application Requirements:
- Online submission of digital images via the ArtOpps portal.
- Accurate metadata including title, dimensions, media, and price.
- Acceptance of the Society's terms and conditions regarding delivery and insurance.
Selection: A two-stage process involving artist members of the RP and a final distinguished panel (John Bernasconi, Anthony Connolly, and Caragh Savage).
Important Dates:
- Online Submission Deadline: July 28, 2026 (5:00 PM).
- Selection Notification: August 14, 2026.
- Delivery (Hull): September 2 - 4, 2026.
- Delivery (London Drop-off): September 2 & 5, 2026.
- Private View: September 17, 2026.
- Exhibition Dates: September 18 - October 18, 2026.
Location: United Kingdom, Hull (University of Hull Art Gallery). Selected artists are responsible for delivery costs and insurance. While traditional framing is common, selectors welcome works intended for non-traditional display. International artists will receive specific delivery details for Hull upon selection.
RP Drawing Prize: Revealing the Human 2026 in Hull employer: Artinfoland
The South London Gallery is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for emerging curators to gain invaluable experience in a vibrant contemporary art setting. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the fellowship provides structured professional development, mentorship, and access to influential networks, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises community engagement and artistic innovation.
