Call for Entries: ROI Annual Exhibition 2026

Artists are invited to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters at the ROI Annual Exhibition 2026. The ROI was founded in 1882 and is the only major British art society that promotes and exhibits work of the highest standard exclusively in oil paint.

The ROI welcomes submissions on all subjects and approaches to this wonderful medium, from plein air, landscape and still life to portraiture and abstract… there is no limit except the common denominator that the work must be created in oil. The 2026 special optional theme is ‘Winter Rituals’, for which The ROI Themed Painting Prize is on offer to the best interpretation.

Successful applicants can expect:

• To have their selected work included in the ROI Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries, in the gallery, and online
• Eligibility to win prizes and awards worth over £10,000
• An invitation to the Private View
• The chance to sell their work
• To be part of a network of exhibiting artists dating back to 1882 when the ROI was founded
• The possibility of election to membership (for more information about becoming a member, please visit the ROI website)

Submission fees: £22 per work, or £14.50 per work for artists aged 35 or under. The submission fee includes free admission to the exhibition (normally £7). Submission fees support the not-for-profit programme at Mall Galleries. The gallery is home to visual arts charity, the Federation of British Artists.

Eligibility: Open to artists 18+ worldwide. All work must be in oil paint. All work must be for sale. The full eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/open-calls/royal-institute-oil-painters

Deadline for entries: Friday 9th October, 12 noon. Accepting online submissions only.

Image credit: © Monika Szklarska, Two Potatoes In Red. To see more of Monika's work visit monikaszklarska.com

APPLY NOW