Call for Entries to 144th Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition
10th April, 2025
The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) has announced the call for entries for its prestigious 144th Annual Exhibition, set to open at the Ulster Museum on October 19th, 2025. As Northern Ireland’s leading visual arts event, the RUA invites artists from across Ireland and beyond to submit their work for a chance to be featured in this celebrated showcase of creativity and innovation.
This year’s exhibition will present over 300 exceptional works, ranging from paintings and sculptures to ceramics, textiles, and mixed media. Watch the video below.
Daniel Dowling, President of the Royal Ulster Academy, said, “We’re calling on artists to share their vision and contribute to what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of creativity. This exhibition is a unique platform to showcase the incredible talent thriving in Northern Ireland and further afield. We can’t wait to see the submissions that will make this year’s visual feast truly unforgettable.”
The exhibition is open to artists of all disciplines from budding amateurs to seasoned professionals. Artists selected for the show will have the opportunity to exhibit alongside some of the region’s most renowned names in the arts, with their work displayed to an expected audience of over 100,000 visitors.
Adding to the excitement, there are £1000s of pounds of prizes and in-kind sponsorship such as residencies in France and Ireland, and other exhibition opportunities. The exhibition is also proudly sponsored by KPMG in Northern Ireland, with Johnny Hanna, Partner-in-Charge, noting, “We are thrilled to support the RUA once again, promoting arts and culture while giving back to our communities.”
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, added, “The Royal Ulster Academy’s Annual Exhibition is a cornerstone of our autumn and winter schedule at the Ulster Museum. We look forward to welcoming artists and visitors alike to this vibrant event.”
Simon McWilliams, Director of the Royal Ulster Academy, added, “This year’s exhibition is shaping up to be an exciting one, with new opportunities, partnerships, and a wider reach. We’re building on our legacy to create an even more vibrant and engaging event that connects artists and audiences in bold, inspiring ways.”
Submission Details: Artists are encouraged to submit their original works for consideration. Full details, including submission guidelines and deadlines, are available on the Royal Ulster Academy’s official website at www.royalulsteracademy.org
The exhibition is free to the public and will run from October 19th 2025, until January 4th 2026 at the Ulster Museum.