We invite you to view almost 600 works by artists working in paint, sculpture, drawing, print, photography, mixed media and architecture, when the 196th RHA Annual Exhibition in association with McCann FitzGerald opens to the public, with free admission, from Monday 25 May.
A cornerstone of Ireland’s cultural calendar, the RHA Annual Exhibition brings together Academy Members, invited artists, and those selected through the highly competitive open submission process. In 2026, a total of 4,890 artworks were submitted, with 435 works selected following two rigorous rounds of judging. The final exhibition spans all gallery spaces at the RHA, offering a comprehensive snapshot of contemporary artistic practice in Ireland and beyond.
Leading Irish law firm McCann FitzGerald LLP continues its three-year title sponsorship of the exhibition, guided by its ‘Go Further, the Art of Potential’ proposition. This partnership reflects McCann FitzGerald’s commitment to supporting creativity, ambition and innovation across communities – values closely aligned with the RHA’s mission to champion artists at all stages of their careers.
The exhibition supports both emerging and established artists, providing a significant platform for visibility, recognition and sales. It also offers an exceptional opportunity for first-time and seasoned collectors alike. Artists exhibiting this year include Shane Keisuke Berkery, Aideen Barry RHA, Dorothy Cross RHA, Andrew Folan RHA, Martin Gale RHA, Erin Lawlor, Paul McKinley, Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh PRHA, Eilis O’Connell RHA, Mick O’Dea PPRHA, Una Sealy RHA and Donald Teskey RHA, among many others.
With a prize fund exceeding €42,500 across multiple disciplines, the RHA Annual Exhibition continues to attract the highest calibre of artists working today. Awards include the RCSI Art Award in association with The Irish Times (€5,000 prize and €10,000 commission), the Ireland–U.S. Council and Irish Arts Review Portraiture Award (€5,000), the ESB Keating Award for Outstanding Artwork (Silver Medal and €3,000), and the McCann FitzGerald Portraiture Prize, among others.
This year, five exhibiting artists will also be shortlisted by the Hennessy Craig / Homan Potterton Jury, joining five artists to be selected from the 2027 exhibition. The Hennessy Craig Award, valued at €20,000, and the Homan Potterton Prize of €20,000 will be awarded in 2028. These awards are open to painters under the age of thirty-five, exhibiting through the open submission section, who have studied at a recognised art college on the island of Ireland.
Celebrating almost two centuries of artistic excellence, the RHA Annual Exhibition remains a vital platform for contemporary art in Ireland, welcoming audiences locally and internationally. We greatly look forward to welcoming you to the 196th RHA Annual Exhibition in association with McCann FitzGerald, this May.
Admission is always free and the exhibition will be supported by a full colour catalogue available to purchase at the RHA.
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Images:
01. James English RHA, Winter Levels, 2026, Oil, 62 x 78cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
02. Martin Gale RHA, In Winter, 2026, Oil on linen, triptych, 50 x 120cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
03. Stephen Doyle, Our Nest, 2026, Oil on canvas, 105 x 120cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
04. Suzanne Dolan, The Bear, Obviously, 2026, Coiled earthenware vessel, 28 x 28 x 28cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
05. GKMP Architects model by Paul Durcan, Central Courtyard – Transformation of St. Senan’s Hospital, Enniscorthy – 1:50 study model, 2026, Finnish machine wood cardboard, recycled brown cardboard, mirror and painted MDF, 53 x 45 x 42cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
06. Diana Copperwhite RHA, Flotilla, 2026, Oil on canvas, 150 x 140cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
07. Elaine Byrne ARHA, Lament, 2026, Photographic print and embroidery on archival paper, 90 x 77cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
08. Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh PRHA, Macalla No.2, 2026, Oil on canvas, 182 x 182cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
09. Katarzyna Stachura, The Cackle, 2026, Ceramics, 24 x 58 x 26cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
