Compete Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: October 10, 2025 – Artists are invited to submit work for exhibition alongside members of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters at the ROI Annual Exhibition 2025
The Royal Institute of Oil Painters 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 Annual Exhibition features work by many exciting emerging painters alongside the work of more established names.
This year’s special theme is ‘HOME’ – for which The ROI Themed Painting Prize is on offer to the best interpretation. However the theme is optional, one aspect of a larger exhibition, to which oil paintings of all subjects are welcome.
Successful applicants can expect:
- Have selected work included in the ROI Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries, in the gallery, and online.
- Eligibility to win prizes and awards
- 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)
- 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.
- Artists must submit work that has been completed within the last three years and must not have been previously exhibited at Mall Galleries.
- Submitted artworks must not be submitted to other competitions or exhibitions taking place between 9 June and 16 December 2025.
Acceptable media:
- Oils. The ROI promotes and exhibits work of the highest standard in oil paint.
- Water-mixable oil paint is acceptable if framed as an oil, so as not to spoil the general appearance of the exhibition.
- Acrylic is no longer accepted.
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 £500. 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 close: Friday 10 October, 12 noon
- Notification of selection: Friday 24 October, 12 noon
- Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 15 November, 10am to 5pm
- Private View (invite only): Wednesday 26 November, 2pm to 8pm, official opening at 3pm
- Exhibition opens: Thursday 27 November, 10am to 5pm daily
- Exhibition closes: Saturday 13 December, 5pm
- Collection of unsold work: Tuesday 16 December, 10am to 5pm
About:
The Royal Institute of Oil Painters is a London based professional art society based at the Mall Galleries that represents many of today’s finest artists working in the traditional medium of Oil Painting. Founded in 1882.
The Mall, London SW1Y 5AS, United Kingdom
