REJECTS 2025
Due to an overwhelming response over the past two years, Art Friend Gallery are excited to be bringing back REJECTS to London in summer 2025.
An art exhibition celebrating artworks that have been rejected by the Royal Academy over the past years.
The aim of REJECTS by Art Friend Gallery is to bring together artists who have been overlooked by the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition application process. We showcase diverse works from both established and emerging artists and provide an opportunity to celebrate the amazing responses to the RA theme; this year being ‘Dialogues’. When reviewing applications to REJECTS, we are always amazed at the level of talent and array of stunning pieces that get rejected by the RA. Lucky for us!
One of the beautiful things about art is how subjective it is and there is something out there for everyone. This can also mean that when putting your creative work out there and entering competitions, rejection can play a role. Our aim is not about challenging the opinion of the RA but highlighting how difficult it can be to get noticed and have a chance to exhibit. With the RA’s submission number rising to 18,000 for 20,000 it is an even slimmer chance for entrants. As a previous artist involved in REJECTS 2024, Jim Vision, stated, “Being an artist means taking Rejection square in the face, shrugging it off and getting back to creating. I was unsuccessful this year in my submission for the RA summer show. I'm sure I don't make that type of art but thought I would give it a go anyway. Thanks to Art Friend for hosting and curating an awesome show, an alternative to the summer exhibition and an opportunity to show the artwork that got rejected.”
In 2024, REJECTS gained even more traction than its first year and really caught the eye of the media. Speaking with Robert Elms on BBC Radio, Art Friend Gallery Founder Shona Bland shared more about how REJECTS was born and the application progress and it resonated with so many artists. ‘The Guardian’ shared a feature on REJECTS as well as being mentioned by art critic Tabish Khan on ‘The Londonist’, featured on ‘London on the Inside’, ‘The Daily Mail’ and several art blogs. The REJECTS exhibition became bigger than ever. Visitors could also show their support and sense of belonging while sporting a REJECTS pin badge. Rejects unite!
Following the success of previous REJECTS shows, we cannot wait to see what this year’s artists have to offer and share this talent with as many people as possible. We love meeting new artists as well as working with familiar faces and hearing more about their art and backstory. At Art Friend Gallery, we hope to spin the narrative and make a positive out of what it can feel like to be rejected. Artist Cherry McAlister, who has previously exhibited at REJECTS shared, “REJECTS is all about reframing rejection positively. Art Friend offered an opportunity to showcase my work because it had not been selected by the RA. For artists left behind when the RA doors shut, Shona and her team are there to open another door. In its inaugural year, REJECTS felt like a rebellious act of celebrating our shared rejection. It was a highlight for me as an emerging artist, especially as I was fortunate to sell a piece.”
All artwork displayed in the REJECTS exhibition will be for sale both in the gallery and online. With the majority of pieces submitted being an original artwork, the opening night, date tbc, will provide the perfect opportunity to snag a new piece of artwork before the gallery is open to the general public. As the exhibition grows year on year, we are also thrilled to be hosting more events throughout the exhibition’s run for even more people to be involved in. Be sure to keep an eye out on our socials as well as joining the mailing list in order to be kept up to date with key dates and information.
For now, if you are interested in being a part of something creative and inspiring and have not been selected for the RA, there is some information below which you may find useful. Please note that rejected artwork can be from any year as long as it fits with the theme 'Dialogues'- (please do not apply with previously rejected artwork if you are exhibiting with the RA this year). You can also take a look at some of our previous entrants here :
Art Friend REJECTS Exhibition:
- When: 3-13th July (Private View 3rd July)
- Where: Stokey Pop Up
- Theme: Dialogues, coordinated by Farshid Moussavi OBE RA.
- Submission Fee: £5.60 per work.
- Submission Limit: Up to two works per artist.
- Submission Process: Submit via online forms - ENTER HERE
- Exhibition Focus: Celebrating artworks not selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
- Exhibition Details: Showcasing a diverse range of mediums and styles.
- Selection Process: Digital judging