The RA’s annual showcase of all the artists you need to know about right now will return for its 256th edition to brighten up the summer holidays. The world’s oldest open submission exhibition (which means anyone can enter their work to be considered for inclusion), the artist with the big job of sifting through the works and curating them this year is sculptor Ann Christopher.
Here are the three things you'll see at the Summer Exhibition
Big names
Now in its 256th year, the Summer Exhibition still knows how to get the big art names in. Expect work from plenty of familiar names as well as newly elected Royal Academicians.
Little names
The great thing about the Summer Exhibition is that it’s open to all, and the selectors pick from thousands of entries. That means that your mate’s mum’s weird little whittled sculptures of George Michael might be shown alongside something by Antony Gormley. It’s a good opportunity to spot an art star of the future. And also see weird stuff by your mate’s mum.
And a huge amount of art
There are usually hundreds of works in this sprawling show. From miniature paintings to enormous canvases, architectural models to photography, there’s something for everyone. And hey, most of it is for sale, so you may just be able to nab a bargain.
