"First RWA Open Painting Exhibition"
2001-08-05 until 2001-09-08
Royal West of England Academy
Bristol, , UK United Kingdom

Billed as one of the highest profile exhibitions of contemporary art outside London, Bristol's Royal West of England Academy is set to stage a major open painting show. The first competitive show of its kind in the South West - and the first ever Open Painting Exhibition held by the RWA during its 157-year-old history - the showcase event is offering prize and award money totalling £16,500. The exhibition, which opens at the Queen's Road gallery on Sunday 5 August for a month, has attracted substantial interest from artists throughout the UK. And they faced stiff competition as a panel of top arts judges shortlisted the best works from well over 1,300 entries.

With a first prize of £8,000 and a raft of other money awards, submitted paintings include everything from large abstract works to small landscapes, street scenes and seascapes.

The selection panel have been judging works of art in every conceivable style, colour and content and it was a very tough challenge to select what promises to be a showcase event for the best of contemporary painting, said John Huggins of the RWA.

This First RWA Open Painting Exhibition aims to be of national importance. It will certainly prove to be a very significant event in the arts calendar over future years. He added: As the RWA undergoes major changes with a massive restoration project to bring the Academy onto the 21st century, this show points the way ahead. It will place the RWA on the modern art map as a significant venue outside London and give people the opportunity to come and see some of the best contemporary art around.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for United Kingdom

Other Important Exhibitions in United Kingdom