The Royal Academy of Arts announces the 257th summer exhibition committee with Farshid Moussavi RA as co-ordinator

Farshid Moussavi leads the 2025 Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition, focusing on art’s ability to foster dialogue on key societal issues.

Royal Academy of Arts 256th Summer Exhibition 2024. Photo by MTotoe.

The Royal Academy of Arts has revealed the Summer Exhibition 2025 will be co-ordinated by renowned architect and Royal Academician Farshid Moussavi. The exhibition, running from 17 June to 17 August 2025, will explore the theme of ‘Dialogues’, focusing on art’s power to address pressing societal concerns, such as ecology, survival, and human coexistence. Moussavi aims to foster a conversation that bridges cultures, races, genders, and disciplines, including art, science, and politics. The Summer Exhibition will feature a wide array of works from artists and architects worldwide, with submissions opening in January 2025.

The Summer Exhibition 2025 Committee will be composed of prominent Royal Academicians, including Tom Emerson, Stephanie Macdonald, Vanessa Jackson, Christopher Le Brun, Helen Sear, Caragh Thuring, and Richard Wilson. The committee’s role is to select and display over 1,200 works of art in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and film. The exhibition will be an open submission event, with works judged democratically based on merit. This year’s committee is tasked with ensuring the exhibition retains a distinctive character while maintaining its long-standing tradition of showcasing exceptional talent from around the world.

Royal Academy of Arts 256th Summer Exhibition 2024. Photo by MTotoe.

Since its inception in 1769, the Summer Exhibition has become the world’s largest open submission contemporary art show. Each year, the event provides artists with the opportunity to display their works to an international audience, with many pieces available for purchase. The funds raised support both the exhibiting artists and the Royal Academy Schools’ postgraduate students. This unique exhibition not only promotes the work of emerging and established artists but also contributes to the ongoing development of future talent in the arts. The 257th Summer Exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of dialogue and artistic expression.

Location: 17 June - 17 August 2025. Location: 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET. Price: TBC royalacademy.org.uk.