The Pastel Society | Annual Exhibition 2026

About the Open Call

The Pastel Society invites artists to submit work in pastel and dry media for its 127th Annual Exhibition, sponsored by Caran d'Ache. This exhibition aims to be a contemporary, adventurous, and creative show, celebrating the 'direct touch' of dry media. Successful applicants will have their work exhibited at Mall Galleries and online, gain an invitation to the Private View, and have the opportunity to sell their work to collectors. They will also be part of a network of exhibiting artists and have the possibility of election to membership. Prizes and Awards include: Cash Prizes: Caran d'Ache Prize (£1,000), Pastel Society Prize (£1,000), The Yoshimoto Prize (£1,000 for non-members), The President's Prize (£500 for artists aged 35 or under), The Bob Last Prize (£400), The Anthony J Lester Art Critic Award (£50 and certificate). Product Prizes: Caran d'Ache Product Prize, Frank Herring Award, Henri Roche Award, Mamut Award, Pith Sketchbook Award, Schmincke Award, UART Award, Unison Member Award, Unison Non-member Award, Unison Young Artist Award, West Design Award. Publication Prizes: The Artist Magazine Award (feature article), Pastel Society Catalogue Awards (First and Second Prize). Plus: Visitors' Choice Award. Key Dates: Submissions open: Monday 18 August 2025, 12 noon Submissions close: Friday 14 November 2025, 12 noon Notification of selection: Friday 28 November 2025, 12 noon Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 10 January 2026, 10am to 5pm Private View (invite only): Tuesday 20 January 2026, 5pm to 8pm Exhibition opens: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 10am to 5pm daily Exhibition closes: Saturday 31 January 2026, 5pm Collection of unsold work: Thursday 5 February 2026, 10am to 5pm

What is Offered

Inclusion in exhibition at Mall Galleries and online, opportunity to win prizes and awards, invitation to Private View, chance to sell work, networking opportunities, possibility of election to membership.

Requirements

Applicants must be artists aged 18 or over, from anywhere in the world. A maximum of six works may be entered, with up to four selected. Work must be completed within two years prior to the exhibition and not previously exhibited at Mall Galleries. Works should not exceed 2.4m along the longest dimension and must be an original creation. Acceptable media include all types of pastel, conté crayons, sanguine, charcoal, chalk, and pencil. Mixed media and three-dimensional works are welcome if pastel or dry media is primary. All work must have a full description of media used and any processes. All work must be framed and glazed with picture glass (unless dispensation granted), using plain, simple framing; metal frames, unprotected glass edges, and clip frames are inadmissible. All fittings and fixings must be removed from the back of frames. All work must be for sale, with a minimum price of £400. International artists (Non-Established Taxable Persons - NETPs) must register with HMRC for a UK VAT number if selected for exhibition.

How to Apply

Artists must register or log in to the Open Exhibition Submission System (OESS) to submit their work online between 12 noon on Monday 18 August and Friday 14 November 2025. Upload images in JPEG or PNG format (under 5MB). One image per submission is required, showing the complete work, with an option for two additional detail images. Provide title, medium, size (cm), year of completion, and price for each work. Selected works must be delivered unwrapped with relevant forms and labels to Mall Galleries, London, on Saturday 10 January 2026.