Formerly known as the Contemporary Watercolour Competition (among many other names during the exhibition's 50+ year history), the RWS Open is the largest open-submission water-media exhibition 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 2023 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. 

 Deadline: Monday 9th January 2023, 11.59 pm

Who is it for: UK & International artists

Application fee: 1 work £15, 2 works £30

Benefit: First Prize: £1,000, RWS Award: £250, New Graduate Award: £250. RWS Open exhibition

Apply here: royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk/competition/