The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol, renowned for promoting artistic excellence and cultural engagement, is proud to announce the opening of its highly anticipated Annual Open Exhibition. Now in its 172nd year, the exhibition will run from September 6, 2025, to December 28, 2025.
This year, the exhibition received over 4000 submissions, with over 400 pieces selected for display by a panel of distinguished judges that include artist Harold Offeh whose work explores social issues, writer David Trigg and Professor Anita Taylor.
Artists featured in the exhibition include RWA Academicians, such as pioneering textile artist Alice Kettle, whose groundbreaking practice is amplifying textile art. Also featured are Valda Jackson, MBE, whose multidisciplinary approach explores themes of migration, identity, and loss, and painter Kurt Jackson, whose large-scale works explore environmental issues.
Rosalind Robinson, A and P meet on the Silk Road
Alongside the selected artwork each year invites an artist to present their work. This year’s Artist is Maria Lalić whose paintings explore colour, time and place and whose work can be found in major collections including Tate and the V&A.
Ren Renwick, Director of the RWA shared that “the Annual Open exhibition is a celebration of artists working in the South West and beyond. The RWA immensely proud to host this show, and we’re excited for all to come along and explore the artwork from floor to ceiling in the RWA’s historic galleries”
Fiona Robinson, President of the RWA Academicians and lead curator shared that “We have had a really strong submission this year so it is showing up to be a stunning exhibition with some very powerful and beautiful work”
The exhibition provides a significant opportunity to purchase original works both online and in the gallery. Prices for the artwork range from £100 to several thousand, making this an accessible opportunity for both collectors and those new to acquiring art.
Exhibition Details:
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Exhibition Dates: 06 September 2025 – 28 December 2025
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Location: RWA, Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1PX
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Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Related Events
In addition to the main exhibition, visitors can enjoy a series of related events.
Buy Art | Saturdays at the RWA | Led by RWA team this is an opportunity to explore the collection and find out more about purchasing art
Tuesday Lunch time tours - Tours start at 12.00pm. Led by an RWA Volunteer, or member of the Curatorial team.
Baby tours - 11am - 12.30pm | Thursday 25 September | Baby Tours are relaxed, informal sessions held in a safe and comfortable space for parents and caregivers with babies aged 12 months and under
British Sign Language Gallery Tour | 1.30pm - 3.00pm | Saturday 4 October 2025 | Led by Emily Rose, from a Deaf perspective, this exhibition tour will be delivered in British Sign Language (BSL). The tour will explore RWA 172 Annual Open Exhibition
Described Gallery Tour for Blind and Partially Sighted Adults | 10.30am - 12pm| Saturday 25 October 2025 | A described tour of the RWA 172 Annual Open Exhibition. This tour is led by experienced facilitator, Sarah Kelly, and will focus on a selection of artworks in the exhibition.
06 Nov 2025 | After Hours | Experience the electric atmosphere of the Secret Postcard Auction After Party as bidding comes to an exciting climax. Explore the postcards, dance to DJ's and immerse yourself in the current exhibitions
Tickets and Availability
Tickets can be purchased on the day from the welcome desk.
Day tickets £9.90 (with concessions available)
Annual Art Pass £18 (unlimited access to ticketed exhibitions for a whole year)
Under 18s go free.
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