MEET THE MEMBER – The RBSA Gallery
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is an artist-led charity with what Marketing Manager Claire Riley describes as a “long and illustrious history”. She explains that the Society’s story “began in 1809 when pioneers from the Birmingham art scene met in a room in the city for a life drawing class”.
By 1814, this early gathering had formalised into the Birmingham Academy of Arts, which later developed into two separate organisations: the Birmingham Society of Arts and the Society of Artists. As Claire notes, the former was “made up of those primarily concerned with arts education and the showing of ‘old master’ artworks”, while the latter comprised “practising artists who worked to organise exhibitions showing the work of living artists”.
Originally based along Birmingham’s New Street, the two societies occupied a succession of purpose-built gallery spaces before parting ways entirely in 1842. At this point, the Birmingham Society of Arts moved to the Birmingham and Midland Institute, where it established the School of Design – later known as the Birmingham School of Art. The Society of Artists, meanwhile, continued independently and, in 1868, was granted royal patronage, becoming the RBSA as it is known today. After remaining on New Street for more than a century, the Society relocated in 1999 to its current home in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Today, the RBSA supports artists at every stage of their careers through a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, membership pathways, and professional development opportunities. Each year, artists take part in the Candidates Exhibition, hoping to be elected as Associates, with the opportunity to progress to full Membership after three years. Alongside this, the Graduate Artists Programme – which runs every three years – offers recent graduates free membership and mentoring. As Claire explains, “At present, the RBSA Membership is made up of approximately 200 Members, Associates, and Graduate Artists”.
At the heart of the organisation is the RBSA Gallery and its Permanent Collection, which Claire describes as “a nationally important collection of around 1000 artworks dating back to the 18th century”. This collection brings together works by past and present Members, key figures in the region’s artistic heritage, and pieces connected to Birmingham’s wider cultural story. An extensive archive of catalogues, letters, and documents further preserves the Society’s long history.
As an artist-led charity, the RBSA is committed to supporting practitioners and widening access to the visual arts. All of its activities are designed with artists in mind, offering opportunities that can often be difficult to find elsewhere. “Entry and display fees for our open call exhibitions are typically less than other institutions”, Claire notes, “and our commission rate is much lower than other galleries, particularly commercial galleries”. The Society also offers artists under 35 a 50% discount on fees, recognising the barriers faced by early-career creatives. In addition, the on-site Gallery Shop provides an “outlet for local designers and makers to sell their work”, with more favourable commission rates than many other retail spaces.
Artworks (left to right): sculpture by Andrew Matheson RBSA, Midsummer Night’s Dream by Anne Irby Crews RBSA, & print by Lynn Jeffrey RBSA
As an artist-led charity, the RBSA is committed to supporting practitioners and widening access to the visual arts. All of its activities are designed with artists in mind, offering opportunities that can often be difficult to find elsewhere. “Entry and display fees for our open call exhibitions are typically less than other institutions”, Claire notes, “and our commission rate is much lower than other galleries, particularly commercial galleries”. The Society also offers artists under 35 a 50% discount on fees, recognising the barriers faced by early-career creatives. In addition, the on-site Gallery Shop provides an “outlet for local designers and makers to sell their work”, with more favourable commission rates than many other retail spaces.
This balance between commercial activity and charitable purpose allows the RBSA to reinvest in artists and audiences alike. Income generated through sales helps fund a programme of exhibitions, workshops, and professional development initiatives. As Claire puts it, “Our USP is our 200+ strong community of artists all working together to support the arts, create sustainable practices, and engage with the public”.
Artworks (left to right): Industrial Dragon by Laura Adkins (Associate Member), & The Streets of Baghdad by Nashat Al Shammari (Associate Member)
The RBSA’s Membership reflects a broad and inclusive artistic community, spanning traditional and contemporary practices including painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, and installation. The Society welcomes artists from all backgrounds, whether self-taught or formally trained, and remains focused on ensuring its long-term relevance. Open call exhibitions are central to this ethos:
“Our open call exhibitions are open to all artists over the age of 18, based locally, nationally, and internationally, and at all stages of their careers. We are delighted to be receiving submissions from an ever increasingly broad spectrum of artists in terms of age and ethnicity, and, through the Society’s Graduate Artist Programme, we recruit recent graduates who bring highly contemporary work to the Membership and are generally under the age of 30”.
Beyond exhibitions, the RBSA provides a wide range of opportunities for artists to develop their practice. Its Friends scheme offers access to drawing sessions, workshops, and professional advice, and is often seen as “the first rung on the RBSA Membership ladder”. Many Friends go on to apply for Associate membership, strengthening the Society’s artist pipeline.
Artworks (left to right): The Autumn Stone by Layla Tutt (Associate Member), Porcelain Shoes by Elaine Hind RBSA, & Summer Blues by Jenny Sutton RBSA
Often described as a ‘hidden gem’, the RBSA Gallery prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming space. “We believe that art is for everyone and should be accessible as such”, Claire explains, “therefore we want visitors, no matter their age, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual preference, to step through our doors and, first and foremost, feel welcome and safe”. The team is acutely aware of the many reasons people visit galleries and works to ensure a positive experience for all. As Claire puts it, “visitors do not need to know anything about, or have experience of, the arts to have a positive experience at the RBSA Gallery, and we hope that people will leave feeling uplifted and with the intention of visiting again”.
Throughout the year, the gallery presents a varied programme of exhibitions, including open call prize shows, solo displays, heritage exhibitions, and group showcases. Workshops led by RBSA artists provide opportunities for the public to learn new skills, while also supporting artists’ professional development. Alongside this, a programme of events – from private views to talks and tours – helps foster a strong sense of community.
Artworks (left to right): Apollo Motel by Martin Brent Guest(Graduate Artist), David and Terrie by Joah Davenport RBSA
The RBSA has also embraced initiatives such as the Own Art scheme to make collecting more accessible. By enabling visitors to spread the cost of purchases, the scheme has helped more people invest in original artwork. As Claire explains, “Allowing purchasers to spread the cost of artwork, interest-free, over a period of 10 months… makes work so much more affordable, while the finance agreement protects the artists and ensures prompt payment. We have made many sales via the Own Art scheme and are delighted that more people are able to purchase original artwork and support self-employed, professional artists”.
She adds that enabling people to live with art can have a lasting impact, noting that it “not only brings enjoyment, but it also facilitates a deeper connection to the wider world and knowledge of the human experience”, and that “Own Art broadens the spectrum of people who are able to purchase artwork by making it affordable, not only benefitting them but also benefitting artists”.
Artworks (left to right): Portrait of my grandmother, Mrs Doris Tompkins, 87 years young by Paul Bartlett RBSA, Teathered by Rosa Mechant (Graduate Artist), Inside and Out the Aga Factory Before the Destruction by Jenny Mason-Gunning (Associate Member)
With a strong understanding of the barriers that can exist within the art world, the RBSA continues to prioritise accessibility in all aspects of its work. From offering free exhibition entry to avoiding unnecessary jargon, the organisation is committed to creating an inclusive environment. As Claire highlights, “we are lucky enough to be self-funded and so are able to offer free admission to all of our exhibitions”, while also recognising that “simple things such as the language used when discussing art can also create barriers”.
With over two centuries of history behind it, the RBSA continues to evolve while staying true to its founding principles – supporting artists, engaging audiences, and championing accessibility. Through its exhibitions, programmes, and artist-led ethos, it remains a vital and distinctive part of Birmingham’s cultural life, ensuring that both artists and audiences can connect with art in meaningful and lasting ways.
Discover The RBSA Gallery for yourself:
Visit their website: www.rbsa.org.uk
Follow them on Instagram: rbsagallery
RBSA Summer Show 2026 – Call for Entries Open
Deadline: Tuesday 5 May, 4 pm
The RBSA Gallery
4 Brook Street, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1SA
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 am – 5.00 pm
All images courtesy of The RBSA Gallery