As 16,500 artists face rejection from the Royal Academy, REJECTS returns for its fourth year to showcase the "best of the rest." Hosted in an historic Notting Hill bakery, the exhibition champions the underdogs of the art world, offering the public a chance to discover the next Banksy or Monet before the establishment does.
We’ve all been there. That "thanks, but no thanks" email. The sinking feeling of not being ‘good’ enough. For creatives, rejection isn't just a possibility; it’s a rite of passage. Every year, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, a 258-year-old titan of the art world, promises to put emerging artists on the map alongside legends like Tracey Emin and Michael Craig-Martin. But with 18,000 applications and only 1,500 spots, over 16,000 dreams come crashing down every June.
This is where REJECTS steps in.
Now in its fourth year and previously featured in The BBC, The Guardian, and The Art Newspaper, REJECTS returns this June to reclaim the summer art calendar. We might not have a Tracey Emin on the walls, but we sure know how to put on a show. Housed in a charming 19th-century bakery on Notting Hill’s iconic Portobello Road, this year’s exhibition provides a defiant spotlight for the brilliant works that didn’t make the RA cut. If Banksy, Rebecca Salter, and Edouard Manet previously didn't make the cut, imagine what you'll find here. Your chance to discover the next remarkable piece starts at REJECTS.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Diverse Artworks: A little of something for everyone. From classic paintings to contemporary screen prints. An exciting mix of painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and mixed media.
The Vibe: From bright, joyful embroideries to hauntingly beautiful figures and bold political statements.
The "Second Chance" Factor: A movement rooted in the belief that talent shouldn't go unseen just because a single panel of judges said no.

BE THE JUDGE
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just "art-curious," Art Friend welcomes you to come and play critic. Did the RA make the right call? You decide. And if you fall in love with a REJECT, you can take it home as
all featured works are for sale. "REJECTS isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a movement. We’ve all been the underdog at some point. This is about rooting for the talent that deserves a second chance."