Strategies for Gaining Access to the Royal Academy's Summer Art Showcase
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, one of the largest open-submission art shows in the world, is a coveted opportunity for artists to showcase their work. Here are some key strategies to increase your chances of being accepted:
Develop a Cohesive and Skilled Artistic Practice
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition celebrates a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, film, and photography. To stand out, ensure your work is technically proficient and conceptually strong.
Present a Clear Artistic Vision
Like selected artists whose work narrates a compelling story or explores a multi-dimensional experience, your work should convey meaningful ideas that resonate with current artistic dialogues.
Gain Recognition and Build Your Artistic CV
Participation in other reputable exhibitions and awards can enhance your profile and provide valuable experience. Consider entering other exhibitions and applying for awards to boost your chances.
Submit a Strong Application
Include an artist statement, CV, and visuals aligned with the submission criteria if applicable. For example, you can learn from the RSA MacRobert Art Award guidelines for a professional application.
Consider Educational Programs to Improve Your Practice
Enrolling in courses like the Royal Drawing School’s Online Drawing Development Year can refine your skills and provide mentorship that may elevate your work’s quality.
Follow Submission Deadlines and Guidelines Carefully
Each year’s exhibition has a formal entry process; ensure your submission meets all technical and content requirements timely. Late submissions are usually not accepted.
Proper Framing and Mounting are Essential
Choose a frame that complements the artwork's style, invest in high-quality frames and materials, and use similar framing for a cohesive look if submitting multiple pieces. Use acid-free materials for mounting to avoid deterioration, ensure the artwork is straight and centered, and check for any loose edges or corners before submission.
Clear, High-Quality Images are Important
Use natural light, a neutral background, high resolution, and avoid glare when photographing artwork. Take multiple shots from different angles to choose the best photo.
Understand Themes and Trends
The Royal Academy often highlights specific themes each year, such as Nature and Environment, Identity and Culture, Social Issues, and Abstract Concepts. Researching past exhibitions can help identify these trends and increase chances of acceptance.
There are No Age or Nationality Restrictions
Artists from various backgrounds can apply to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Visit local galleries, explore online art communities, and attend art fairs and events for inspiration.
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: A Brief History
Founded in 1768 with the aim of promoting visual arts in Britain, the Royal Academy has a rich history. The first Royal Academy Summer Exhibition took place in 1867. The exhibition became known for its open submission policy in the 20th century.
For more specific entry guidelines and deadlines, checking the official Royal Academy website or their announcements for the current year is advisable. The online submission process involves visiting the official Royal Academy website, creating an account or logging in, reading the submission guidelines thoroughly, preparing artwork files, filling out the submission form, and submitting the application.
The Royal Academy charges a submission fee of £30 for each artwork submitted. The exhibition showcases a wide range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, and photography. Understanding the submission guidelines can increase your chances of success.
- A strong artistic practice in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, cars, education-and-self-development, or career-development, when displayed, should be technically proficient and conceptually powerful.
- Navigating the shopping landscape for high-quality frames and materials can elevate the overall presentation of your artwork, whether in painting, sculpture, or photography.
- Participating in educational programs, such as courses in fashion-and-beauty, cooking, interior design, automotive engineering, or personal development, can refine your skills and potentially lead to a more successful submission.
- Researching past travel destinations or experiences can inspire creative ideas that align with the themes and trends in the upcoming Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
- For artists seeking broader recognition, submitting your work to other exhibitions, competitions, or awards, covering various themes like relationships, fashion-and-beauty, and travel, can enhance your artistic CV and boost your chances at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
