The Royal Ulster Academy of Arts presents its Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum, continuing one of the longest-running open submission exhibitions in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Established in 1881, the exhibition remains a central moment in the visual arts calendar, bringing together artists from across the island and beyond. Selected through an open submission process, the exhibition presents a broad survey of contemporary practice.

A view of the RUA open exhibition in 2025. Photo by Jennifer Willis  https://jenniferwillisphotography.com/

Visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of work including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, sculptures, ceramics and work by designer makers. Each year the selection panel reviews a large number of submissions to assemble an exhibition that reflects the diversity and vitality of current artistic practice.

The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view and acquire original works while supporting both artists and the ongoing work of the Academy.

Director of the Royal Ulster Academy, Simon McWilliams, notes:

“Each Annual Exhibition offers a snapshot of contemporary artistic practice. The exhibition continues the Academy’s long-standing mission to support artists while connecting audiences with new work from across the region.”

 

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of talks, educational visits and artist-led activities continues the Academy’s commitment to supporting artists and encouraging public engagement with the visual arts.

Photo by Jennifer Willis Photography https://jenniferwillisphotography.com/

Further information about the exhibition and future opportunities to submit work can be found via the Royal Ulster Academy website or via the OLIST

Key Dates

  • Deadline: Monday, 14 July 2026
  • Stage 1 selection deadline: Tuesday, 22 July 2026 (login to the OESS to get your results)
  • Stage 2 selection deliveries: By scheduled appointment starting Early August
  • Final selection: Tuesday, 11 August 2026 (login to the OESS to get your results)
  • Exhibition open to the public: 18 October 2026 – 5 January 2027