The shortlist for the 2026 RCSI Art Award in association with the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA) and The Irish Times has been announced.

Now in its 11th year, the RCSI Art Award celebrates the long-standing association between art, medicine and well-being.

The five pieces shortlisted for the 2026 Award were selected from 601 works on display at the 196th RHA Annual Exhibition in association with McCann FitzGerald, Ireland’s largest and longest running exhibition of visual arts. The shortlisted works are Alessia by Elaine Byrne ARHA, Different Strokes by Erica Coburn, Tide Rising, Lennon Estuary by James English RHA, Ciotola Inclinata by Michael Foley and Baby Teeth 2 by Vivienne Roche RHA.

All works of art, in any medium, selected for the 196th RHA Annual Exhibition were considered for the RCSI Art Award. The winner will be announced before the exhibition closes.

The recipient will be awarded €5,000 to progress their practice and the RCSI Silver Medal. The winning artist will also receive a commission to the value of €10,000 to create a new work for the RCSI Art Collection.

Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI Vice Chancellor, said: “The RCSI Art Award honours the profound connection between creative expression and wellness. By uniting individuals from all walks of life, the arts help cultivate a healthier, more connected society.

“Engaging with the arts offers healthcare students and practitioners a deeper understanding of the diverse human experience. This year's award highlights the incredible depth of talent at the RHA’s Annual Exhibition, and we look forward to announcing this year’s winner.”

The 2026 RCSI Art Award Selection Committee comprises: Professor Deborah McNamara, President, RCSI; Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh, President, RHA; Nathalie Weadick, Interim Director, RHA; Gemma Tipton, The Irish Times; Dr Abdul Bulbulia, RCSI Alumnus and founder of Waterford Healing Arts; Aíne Gibbons, Director of Development, Alumni Relations, Fellows and Members, RCSI; Professor Clive Lee, Professor Emeritus, RCSI and Professor of Anatomy, RHA; Liz Hughes, Head of EDI Unit, RCSI; and Dr Michael Daly, Senior Lecturer, RCSI.

The 196th RHA Annual Exhibition in association with McCann FitzGerald is open to the public until 9 August 2026, with free admission.

Find more information about the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts here. You can also learn more about previous winners of the RCSI Art Award here.