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Submit oil paintings for exhibition at the ROI Annual Exhibition 2026, with optional entry for the 'Winter Rituals' themed prize.
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Get matched →The Royal Institute of Oil Painters, founded in 1882, invites submissions for the ROI Annual Exhibition 2026. This open exhibition welcomes work on all subjects and approaches created exclusively in oil paint. The 2026 optional theme is 'Winter Rituals', with a special themed painting prize available.
Open to all artists. Work must be created in oil paint. Some awards are restricted to specific categories: Winsor & Newton Young Artist Awards for artists aged 30 or under; Daler-Rowney Award for first-time exhibitors with the ROI; Helen Hale Award for abstract or semi-abstract work; ROI Emerging Artist Prize for artists aged 30 or under.
The ROI offers numerous prizes and awards totalling over £10,000, including The Roger Remington Award £4,000; Winsor & Newton Young Artist Award First Prize £1,000; The ROI Themed Painting Prize £500; The Peter Wileman Award £500; The Stanley Grimm Prize £700 (first £400, second £300); ROI Emerging Artist Prize £250 plus a day with an Institute member; The Small Painting Prize £250 (maximum 30.5 cm excluding frame); and many others. Additional awards include The Lady of the Chateau Award (place in immersive painting workshops in southwest France), materials, brush sets, publication in a greetings card, feature in The Artist magazine, easel award, crystal trophy, and certificates of commendation.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.
Submit online only through the Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS) between Monday 8 June and Friday 9 October 2026. Upload one image per submission in JPEG or PNG format under 5MB, showing the complete work. Two optional additional detail images per work may be submitted. Also provide title, medium, size (cm), year of completion, price, and optional artwork description. Judges base decisions on submitted images.
One main image showing the complete work is required; optional additional detail images (including framing if applicable) may be submitted. All images must be accurate and show work at its best.
For more information about membership, visit the ROI website.