The Visual Arts Association (VAA) is proud to announce its sponsorship of the prestigious New Artist Award at RSA New Contemporaries 2025. The exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy stands as Scotland’s largest and most high-profile platform showcasing exceptional works from degree shows across the country. This year’s exhibition will feature a dynamic range of media, including painting, sculpture, filmmaking, photography, printmaking, installation, performance, and architecture.
Ages of Wonder, RSA 2017. Credit Sean Christie
Now in its sixteenth year, RSA New Contemporaries exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view the most promising emerging talent in Scotland in a single, large-scale exhibition held in the heart of Edinburgh. Selected from the 2024 degree shows, 63 graduates will showcase their works, with many opting to further develop their concepts or create entirely new pieces. The exhibition offers a brilliant snapshot of the current landscape of emerging Scottish art and architecture.
The VAA’s New Artist Award will recognise one outstanding graduate, awarding them a comprehensive package valued at £2,000. This includes a VAA Premium Membership, a year of mentorship, access to a series of online short courses, and an invitation to exhibit in future VAA-organised exhibitions. In addition, the VAA will also present six Highly Commended Awards, which include VAA Premium Membership and free access to a VAA career development course of their choice.
Commenting on the partnership, Laura O’Hare, Director of the VAA, said, “The VAA is deeply committed to fostering emerging talent and providing them with the support they need to grow and succeed in their careers. By sponsoring the New Artist Award at RSA New Contemporaries, we aim to allow one exceptional graduate to develop their practice with the guidance, resources, and mentorship they need at this pivotal stage of their career. This award represents much more than just recognition; it’s an endorsement of the artist’s potential and a stepping stone to future opportunities. Supporting the next generation of Scottish artists and architects is crucial for the continued vitality and growth of the creative industries, and we are proud to be a part of that journey.”
Laura O’Hare – Director of VAA
Amy Anna Graham – The Drum Table
New Contemporaries consistently garners positive reviews from key media outlets including The Scotsman (4 stars), The Times (4 stars), and has been widely covered by national publications such as The Herald, The Independent, STV, Scotland on Sunday, The National, The Skinny, and Artmag. In addition to the exposure, over £25,000 worth of monetary, residency, studio, and purchase prizes are awarded to exhibiting artists, providing essential support at a critical moment in their careers. These awards are offered by the Royal Scottish Academy, in partnership with various external organizations committed to supporting emerging talent in the arts.
RSA New Contemporaries serves as an invaluable platform for recently graduated artists, offering them the chance to present their work to an international audience. Many artists featured in past exhibitions have gone on to establish long-term relationships with the RSA, enjoying continued support through awards, grants, and even becoming part of the RSA’s esteemed group of Academicians.
Agnes Roberts – Untitled (Tomato)
RSA’s View on the Partnership:
In response to the VAA’s sponsorship, an RSA representative added, “We are delighted to welcome the Visual Arts Association as an award giver at RSA New Contemporaries 2025. Their commitment to supporting emerging artists aligns with our mission to nurture and champion new talent in Scotland. The New Artist Award will provide one graduate with invaluable resources and opportunities that will help propel their career forward, and we look forward to seeing how this partnership will benefit both the artist and the wider artistic community.”
Christian Sloan – Debris
Tallulah Batley – Interior of My First Salon
Through this collaboration, the VAA reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and supporting the next generation of Scottish artists and architects, ensuring their growth and visibility on both a national and international scale.
For further information about RSA New Contemporaries exhibition, please visit www.royalscottishacademy.org
New Contemporaries exhibition dates: 22nd March to 16th April 2025
Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound
Entry £8/£5 concession (Free for RSA Friends)
Free on Mondays | Exhibition publication £5 (coming soon)
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm
About the Royal Scottish Academy
Founded in 1826, the Royal Scottish Academy supports art and architecture in Scotland. We are an independent, non-governmental institution, governed by our Members to operate on a charitable basis. We run our year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and events from our base at the Mound, Edinburgh, and care for our nationally recognised collection. We support artists and architects through awards, residencies, scholarships and bursaries. In 2026 the RSA will celebrate its 200th anniversary.
Ishbel Angus – Float or Flight
Fiona Goss – Palm of Possibility
Kitty Yarrow – Bracken
Lotta Wald – When You Wake My Love, Do Not Reveal Your Secret