Artists can now submit pieces for the Open, with the overall winner receiving £1,000 and a further £500 towards the staging of a solo exhibition at the Little Elborow Street venue's Floor One Gallery.
Artists based in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Coventry can enter the Open, with submissions welcomed from across the arts - including drawing, painting, print, photography, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture.
Selected works feature in the Rugby Open 26 exhibition, which runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum from 9 December to 20 February 2027.
Judges for Rugby Open 26 include artist Hettie Inniss, named one of the most promising artists working today by The Artsy Vanguard 2025, Gilly Fox, associate curator at London's Hayward Gallery, and Timothy Davies, director of Grimm Gallery, an international contemporary art gallery with locations in London, Amsterdam and New York.
The exhibition also incorporates the Rugby Youth Open, for artists aged 14 to 19-years-old, with the winner picking up £250.
Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, joins this year's panel of Open judges and said she was looking forward to discovering new artistic talent.
"We're delighted Hettie Inniss, Gilly Fox and Timothy Davies have agreed to join the judging panel for Rugby Open 26 - it's a real testament to the exhibition's reputation in the art world," Cllr O'Rourke added.
"The Open gives up-and-coming artists the chance to display work in a professional gallery and reach a wider audience, so I'd encourage all artists to enter for a chance to star in the exhibition."
Submissions for the Rugby Open 26 must be received by 5pm on Monday 23 November.
Artists can enter the Open online, though pieces must be delivered in person to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
For full terms and conditions - and to enter - visit www.ragm.co.uk/rugby-open-2026
Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "Rugby has a wealth of talented artists, and the Open and Youth Open may be the first opportunity to display their talent in a public venue.
"We should promote and encourage their inclusion in the local arts scene."
For more information about exhibitions and events at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk