The Royal Society of Marine Artists seeks submissions of art inspired by the sea and marine environment, including harbours and shorelines, traditional craft and contemporary shipping, creeks, beaches, wildlife - in short anything that involves tidal water.
There are several prizes and awards on offer, worth £10,000.
The Society's annual exhibition is widely recognised as a showcase for the best in contemporary marine art, with selected work from the open entry hung alongside the work of RSMA members.
Submissions are now closed
How to Submit
A single-stage virtual judging of all submitted works will take place, after which selected works should be delivered to Mall Galleries, London, for inclusion in the exhibition:
- Upload images of work at mallgalleries22.oess1.uk by Friday 28 July 2023, 12 noon [Note: Images must be in JPEG format and under 5MB]
- Check mallgalleries22.oess1.uk from 12 noon on Friday 11 August to see if your work has been selected
- If selected, deliver your work on Saturday 9 September, 10am to 5pm, to Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD
Important Dates
Submissions open: Monday 15 May 2023, 12 noon
Submissions close: Friday 28 July, 12 noon
Notification of selection: Friday 11 August, 12 noon
Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 9 September, 10am to 5pm
Private View (invite only): Wednesday 20 September, 11am to 8pm, official opening at 4pm
Exhibition opens: Thursday 21 September, 10am to 5pm daily
Exhibition closes: Saturday 30 September, 5pm
Collection of unsold work: Thursday 5 October, 10am to 5pm
Conditions
Eligibility
- Any artist over 18 may submit.
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Subject matter must be essentially marine in nature, relating in some way to tidal waters of the world; topographical, historical, still life, and figure painting are all welcomed. Works relating to non-tidal rivers, inland lakes and waterways etc are not permissible.
- Acceptable media: Oil, acrylic, watercolour, original prints of any media (excluding photography), mixed media, textiles, drawings, pastels, or sculpture.
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Maximum of six works submitted, maximum of four works selected.
- Works should be no larger than 2.4m along the longest dimension.
- All work must be for sale. The price of works must include commission of 45%+VAT (please note that where foundry fees apply, foundry costs will be deducted before commission is calculated).
- Minimum price: £600, except for prints - framed £325, unframed £200 (buyers will not be charged for postage and packaging of unframed prints, so please ensure the price of unframed prints allows for this).
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Works may be from a limited edition not exceeding fifty.
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Artists are strongly urged to submit new work not previously exhibited.
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The Society advises the use of plain, simple framing in a light or medium colour. Frames and mounts of an unusual colour, size or design may prejudice the chance of acceptance. The following are inadmissible: metal frames, unprotected glass edges and clip frames.
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Frames or stretchers should be sufficiently substantial to withstand mirror plating with 12mm size 6 screws.
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Works that are poorly presented or differ significantly from the photograph entered will not be exhibited.
Entry Fee
- The submission fee is £20 per work for standard entries and £14 per work for artists aged 35 or under.
Delivery & Collection
- Packaging from delivered works cannot be retained and must be taken away at the point of delivery.
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Works should be delivered without hanging fittings.
- We are unable to wrap works or provide wrapping materials for any works being returned.
- Any work uncollected on the specified collection date/s will be stored at a separate location and the artist will be charged a storage fee.
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Paintings should be completely dry at the time of delivery.
Selection
- The Selection Committee is formed of artist members of the Society and is rotated annually.
- Please note that selectors' decisions are final and we are unable to offer feedback.
International Entrants
- If you are not a UK resident and your work is sold at the exhibition you have a responsibility to register and account for UK VAT with H.M. Revenue & Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk (HM Revenue & Customs Reference: Notice 700/1).
- Artists sending work from abroad should use a picture carrier. Many artists use Picture Post Art as they offer a packing and delivery service for our exhibitions (we do not accept any liability for their services). Picture Post Art - Tel: 07833 450788 / Email: info@picturepostcompany.co.uk
Terms & Conditions
- For full terms and conditions, click here.
Art Couriers
If you are unable to deliver or collect your work in person, you may wish to use an art courier:
Art Moves of Chelsea (London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Bristol) - artmoveschelsea@aol.com / 020 7352 7492
Picture Post Art (Scotland, the North of England and Birmingham) - info@picturepostcompany.co.uk / 07833 450788
For a fuller list of Art Couriers, click here.
Prizes & Awards (subject to final confirmation)
There are many prizes and awards available to win, including:
BAE Systems Award: For the best work capturing the story of British Shipbuilding - People, Ships and Shipyards. The work will capture some of the rich history in British shipbuilding through the ages and looking into the future with particular focus on people, skilled crafts, trades, and emerging technologies. The work will embody the characters and passion of the British shipbuilding community and bring to life the essence of this historic British industry. Value £5,000.
Baltic Exchange Award: For an outstanding work related to the maritime industry, selected by the Society’s President and the Chairman of the Baltic Exchange. Including works related to trade (ports, cargo vessels, etc), ship building, safety at sea, the crew, the RNLI or NCI. The Baltic is an historic membership organisation at the heart of the international shipping industry, providing services relied upon by shipping markets worldwide. Value £2,000.
The Charles Pears Award: For an outstanding work, in any medium, by a non-member. Presented by the RSMA in memory of Charles Pears, founding member and first President. Value £500.
The Kenneth Denton Award: Made possible by the generosity of long-standing member Kenneth Denton. Value £500.
The Murray's Commercial Fishing Award: Two prizes for works in any medium depicting commercial fishing. First Prize £500, Second Prize £100.
The RSMA Award for the Best Small Painting: For a work in any medium measuring no more than 30 cm along the longest dimension (excluding frame). Made possible by the generosity of a Life Member. Value £300.
The RSMA New Generation Award: Awarded by the Society, the successful artist will receive £250. Open to all artists aged 35 or under at the time of submission.
The Topbond Marine Award: For works depicting marine engineering or construction activities in harbours, estuaries or marine waters within the UK. Value £250.
The Winsor & Newton Oil Prize: £250 worth of Winsor & Newton art materials for a notable oil painting.
The Sea Pictures Gallery Award: For a work of distinction in any medium. Value £250.
NEW Pegasus Art Prize: £100 worth of art materials in a gift voucher, for a notable work in any medium. Pegasus Art was established in 2005 and has grown its reputation as a leading art materials supplier. A true arts hub, Pegasus Art hosts annual open studios, exhibitions and art talks and are proud to welcome everyone into their vibrant and thriving community.
The Artist Magazine Award: The winner will be interviewed for a feature in The Artist magazine.
The Classic Boat Award: A year’s subscription to Classic Boat and profile feature of the winner in Classic Boat Magazine.