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Submission deadline: Monday 6^th January 2025, 11.59pm GMT

Formerly known as the Contemporary Watercolour Competition (among many other names during the exhibition's 50+ year history), the RWS Open is one of the largest open-submission water-media exhibitions 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 2025 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. 

Successful applicants can expect

• To have their selected artwork be included in the RWS Open exhibition at Bankside Gallery, located next to Tate Modern on the Thames Path

• Eligibility to win awards on this year's prize list, including the RWS Young Artist Award

• Their selected artwork to appear on the Royal Watercolour Society website for the duration of the exhibition and beyond

• To be part of a network of present and past exhibiting artists

• Opportunities to meet Members of the RWS for networking and potential Membership proposal

The Royal Watercolour Society are happy to assist with processing applications from artists with disabilities. Please contact us at info@royalwatercoloursociety.com if you require assistance.

In the event of a UK lockdown or other covid-related restrictions being put in place, we reserve the right to deliver the RWS Open exhibition as an online only event. 

Download Submission Guidelines

The RWS Open is proudly sponsored by Cass Art