The Royal Academy of Arts will present the eighth annual Young Artists’ Summer Show opening in
the Weston Studio and online from Tuesday 14 July 2026. The exhibition will display a selection of
works by young artists aged 4-18 (Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1-5) from across
the UK, selected by a panel of judges including Royal Academicians, RA Schools Students and
professionals working in art education. This year 25,660 entries were received from over 4,500
registered schools, art clubs and home educators.
Since the Royal Academy’s foundation in 1768, art education has been at its heart. The Young
Artists’ Summer Show provides a platform for the skilled and varied work of students, champions the
importance of art in education and celebrates the teachers, parents, carers, and art clubs fostering
creativity in young people.
The judging panel for the primary student level includes:
• Mike Nelson RA, Artist
• Seren Metcalfe, RA Schools Student
• Natasha Fyffe, Assistant Curator at the Royal Academy of Arts
• Vicky Carmichael, Director of Programmes – Freelands Foundation
The judging panel for the secondary student level includes:
• Sikelela Owen RA, Artist
• Joshua Lague, RA Schools Student• Eliza Bonham Carter, Curator and Director of the Royal Academy Schools
• Marlene Wylie, Past President and Senior Fellow, National Society of Education in Art and Design
A number of prizes will be awarded to young artists for outstanding works in the exhibition, selected by artist Louise Wilson, Jane and Louise Wilson RA. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork in a People’s Choice Award. Voting will be open online from Tuesday 14 July – Monday 31 August.
The Young Artists’ Summer Show is made possible by Robin Hambro.
Find more information here.
