Open Submissions for VAS Biennial at National Galleries Scotland, Edinburgh

Open Submissions for Visual Arts Scotland's December 2025 Exhibition

Visual Arts Scotland are delighted to be exhibiting once more in the Upper Galleries of the RSA building in Edinburgh from December 2025 to January 2026.

The new VAS Biennial is a continuation of the longest-running contemporary art exhibition that is delivered in partnership with the Exhibiting Societies of Scottish Artists (ESSA). The exhibition provides a platform for contemporary creators in Scotland and beyond.

For this upcoming exhibition we are inviting applications from VAS Members and non-members from across the globe to exhibit across six of these expansive galleries. We welcome submissions in all areas of visual arts and crafts, including but not limited to painting, printmaking, photography, drawing, sculpture, audio, text, textiles, woodwork, furniture, glass, large works, moving image, installation, performance and jewellery.

The exhibition aims to celebrate contemporary fine art alongside applied arts and design disciplines; the crossover of this relationship being central to our message of inclusivity and celebrating the range of creative practices. 

You are invited to submit up to SIX works in any size for consideration.

Key Dates:

Submission Entry Deadline: 31st July 2025, 5pm.

Selection Notification: In early September, exact notification date to follow. Please log back into your OESS account for your results - they will not be automatically emailed to you. 

Provisional Artwork Arrangements

Postal submissions: Information will be released in June but provisionally is marked for 28th and 29th November.

Couriered submissions: Information will be released in June but provisionally is marked for 28th and 29th November.

Large Artwork delivery: Monday 1st December 9am-11am.

General Artwork drop off (in person): Information will be released in June but provisionally is marked for 28th and 29th November.

Please note these will be confirmed and updated once selection is complete. These dates are for guideline purposes only, at this stage.

Exhibition Open To Public for the duration of December 2025.

For full details, entry prices and terms and conditions please visit: VAS OESS