We are the Scottish Society of Artists.
We’re the largest artist-led organisation in Scotland. We lead a diverse and ambitious programme and invite artists based anywhere in the world to join us.
128th ANNUAL EXHIBITION | GENERAL SUBMISSIONS
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the SSA 128th Annual Exhibition, taking place at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, from 14 February – 10 March 2027.
The SSA Annual Exhibition is one of the largest contemporary art exhibitions in Scotland and is produced entirely by artists with no public funding.
In this open call we are accepting work in the form of painting, printmaking, photography, textiles, drawing and sculpture.
Image: SSA 127th Annual Exhibition, 2026. Photograph Julie Howden.
SSA 128th ANNUAL EXHIBITION | PROPOSALS, INSTALLATIONS & PERFORMANCE
We are delighted to invite submissions for installation, site specific work, performance and proposals for an unrealised work.
We encourage submissions of ambitious new artwork created specifically for the space, or existing artwork that is repurposed for the 128th Annual Exhibition
The exhibition is produced entirely by artists with no public funding and will take place at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh from 14 February – 10 March 2027.
Image: SSA 127th Annual Exhibition, 2026. Photograph Julie Howden
SSA ESSAY PROJECT | MATTHEW MORPHEUS
The SSA essay programme intends to highlight the creative thinking of our members and to provide a platform for expressing and sharing our opinions on Art, Life and the World.
We are pleased to publish ‘Zero Emotion’ by SSA Member, Matthew Morpheus.
His essay argues that beneath every calm exterior lies a complex mix of emotions, and through both meditative drawings and chaotic collages, Matthew explores the tension between public composure and private emotional experience.
Image: Conquistador, 2017, courtesy Matthew Morpheus
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | EMMA SUTHERLAND
The Scottish Society of Artists is home to a diverse and dynamic community of artists. To showcase the work of our members, we’ve launched a monthly member spotlight, where one SSA Member is chosen at random to be featured on our website and social media. This month, we are excited to highlight Artist Member, Emma Sutherland.
Emma is a multidisciplinary artists who lives and works in Edinburgh, working predominantly in painting, collage and ceramics. She explores thresholds and in-betweens, with a focus on rituals and sacred space through a personal lens.
Image: Section of painting, courtesy Emma Sutherland
BE PART OF THE INSTALLATION & PROPOSALS SELECTION COMMITTEE 2026
We are looking for 2 members of the Scottish Society of Artists to be part of the Installation, Proposals and Performance Submissions Selection Committee for the 128th Annual Exhibition.
We are keen to receive applications from artists working in a range of disciplines within the areas of installation, site-specific, audio, audio-visual work, interactive works, performance and animation.
Image: Society of Scottish Artists’ 127th Annual Exhibition 2026 (installation detail) Photograph by Julie Howden
BE PART OF THE GENERAL SUBMISSIONS SELECTION COMMITTEE 2026
We are looking for 3 members of the Scottish Society of Artists to be part of the General Submissions Selection Committee for the 128th Annual Exhibition.
All members are welcome to apply. We are interested to hear from Society members who have not previously taken part in exhibition selection committees and from those who live outwith Edinburgh.
We are keen to receive applications from artists working in a range of disciplines within the areas of painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, drawing and sculpture.
Image: Image: SSA 127th Annual Exhibition, 2026. Photograph by Julie Howden