The Royal Society of Arts partnered with AOAP Projects to introduce Illuminated as an annual summer exhibition that will run from June 10 to 24, 2026, at its headquarters on John Adam Street in central London. All works measure no larger than seven inches by seven inches and go on sale with prices starting at £55, according to a statement from the RSA. The format aims to draw younger collectors while maintaining ties to the RSA fellowship network.
Artists will receive 50 percent of proceeds from any sales with the balance directed toward the RSA’s social impact initiatives, the partners said in the announcement. Curator Gemma Peppe selected an intergenerational group to set the tone for future editions of the show. The exhibition evolved from AOAP Projects’ earlier postcard-based auctions into a broader curated platform.
Caroline Coon, Susie Hamilton and Helen Beard headline the roster alongside Royal Academician Miriam Escofet, Jon Burgerman and Mandy Payne, The Art Newspaper reported. More than 100 contemporary artists participate in the inaugural edition with some counts exceeding 150. Their contributions span painting, photography, sculpture and conceptual practices tied to themes of enlightenment and social progress.
The RSA, founded in 1754 to advance arts, manufactures and commerce, maintains a fellowship of more than 30,000 worldwide and has included members such as Nelson Mandela and David Attenborough, according to RSA historical records. Illuminated reflects the institution’s emphasis on creativity for the common good within the same building where Enlightenment-era discussions once took place. Laure Barthelemy, curator at the Royal Society of Arts, said, “Illuminated reflects the Royal Society of Arts enduring belief that creativity can help shape a better society. Bringing together contemporary artists within a space so closely tied to ideas, culture and public life, the exhibition creates a new platform for artistic exchange in the spirit of creativity for the common good.”
Accessibility remains a guiding principle with the modest scale and pricing designed to lower barriers for new buyers, the RSA statement noted. Gemma Peppe observed in remarks carried by The Art Newspaper, “A lot of our audience has grown up with us.” The private view on June 9 requires reservations while the public run offers weekday hours from 8am to 8pm.
The launch adds to London’s crowded summer exhibition schedule that includes the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, which drew 746,420 visitors in 2025 according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions. That event has historically attracted between 150,000 and 200,000 attendees in recent years while generating significant sales, RA background materials show. Illuminated distinguishes itself through its uniform small format and direct link to charitable outcomes rather than open submission.
Organizers intend for the exhibition to become a recurring fixture that builds on the RSA’s tradition of public engagement through art. The RSA hosts several temporary displays each year across its premises, its current listings indicate. Future editions will expand the model established by this cross-generational showcase.
