Compete Pastel Society Annual Exhibition 2026
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: November 14, 2025 – Artists are invited to submit work in pastel and dry media for the Pastel Society’s 127th Annual Exhibition, sponsored by Caran d’Ache.
This is your chance to take part in a contemporary, adventurous and creative show, presenting a positive challenge to those with pre-conceived ideas about pastel and dry media.
The exhibition will celebrate the ‘direct touch’ of dry media. ‘The joy of dry media is its ability to transmit feelings through the hand directly onto paper,’ says the Society, ‘The touch is evident and powerful.’
Successful applicants can expect:
- To have their work included in the exhibition at Mall Galleries and online
- The opportunity to win prizes and awards
- An invitation to the Private View
- The chance to sell their work to new collectors
- To be part of a network of exhibiting artists dating back to 1898, when the Society was founded
- The possibility of election to membership
ELIGIBILITY
Any artist aged 18 or over may enter, from anywhere in the world.
- Work must have been completed within two years prior to the exhibition and not have been exhibited previously at Mall Galleries.
- Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension.
- All works must be an original creation by the artist.
Acceptable media:
All types of pastel including soft pastel, hard pastel, oil pastel, ink pastel, water-based pastel, conté crayons or sticks, sanguine, and other dry mediums that are similar in their application including charcoal, chalk, and pencil. Mixed media and three-dimensional works are welcome where pastel or another dry media is the primary medium.
- All work must be framed and glazed with picture glass unless a dispensation is applied for and accepted by the Society and Mall Galleries in special circumstances.
- Frames should be sufficiently substantial to withstand mirror plating with 12mm (size 6) screws.
- Artists are advised to use plain, simple framing.
AWARDS
Numerous cash and recognition awards.
SUBMISSION FEE
There is a non-refundable submission fee of £20 per work, or £14 per work for artists aged 35 or under. The submission fee includes free admission to the exhibition (normally £6).
SALES
All work must be for sale. There is a minimum price per work of £400. Unless otherwise advised, the gallery will charge a commission on the total price paid for works, including commissioned works, before, during, or as a result of the exhibition.
DATES
- Submissions open: Monday 18 August 2025, 12 noon
- Submissions close: Friday 14 November, 12 noon
- Notification of selection: Friday 28 November, 12 noon
- Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 10 January 2026, 10am to 5pm
- Private View (invite only): Tuesday 20 January, 5pm to 8pm, official opening at 6:30pm
- Exhibition opens: Wednesday 21 January, 10am to 5pm daily
- Exhibition closes: Saturday 31 January, 5pm
- Collection of unsold work: Thursday 5 February, 10am to 5pm
About:
The Pastel Society is an art society, based in London, which promotes the use of pastel painting in contemporary art, through exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and lectures. The Pastel Society is a registered charity and was founded in England in 1898.
The Mall, London SW1Y 5AS, United Kingdom
