Summer Exhibition 2026

Entry to the Summer Exhibition 2026 will open on 7th January 2026

Details about the 2025 process can be seen below. Further information regarding entry to the Summer Exhibition 2026 will be added in due course. 

Entry Process

If you would like a chance to see your work displayed in the world’s largest open-submission exhibition, this is the place to get started. Just follow our three simple steps:

1.  Create your account

Submitted before? You should already have a Summer Exhibition account. Login to your account, or request a new password if you’ve forgotten.

First time entrant? Register now and we’ll send you a link to your new account.

2.  Pay your entry fee 

You can enter one or two works, for a fee of £40 per work, which covers our administration costs. You can pay online by credit or debit card. 

The number of entries is capped at 18,000, so be sure to purchase early in order to avoid disappointment.

3.  Enter the details and upload images of your artwork

Cost and deadlines

The entry fee is non-refundable. If you choose to enter only one work, it won't be possible to add a second work at a later date.

Once you have purchased entry, you must submit your digital artwork by the deadline. We can not accept any late submissions.

The RA's commission on artwork sales has been increased to 35% of the net price plus VAT. For further information, please see the Commission on Artwork Sales section of our FAQ

What happens next?

The first round of selection is made from digital images of artworks, from which the judges will shortlist up to 4,000 entries to be delivered to the Academy for the final round.

If you are successful in the first, digital round, we will notify you by email and ask you to deliver your artwork to the Royal Academy for the next round of selection.

You can also check the progress of your submission using your Summer Exhibition account whenever you like.

Any questions?

If you have a question, first take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find the answer to your question, get in touch