The Kensington Roof Gardens, in partnership with the Royal Society of Sculptors, invites Members to submit proposals for a curated outdoor sculpture exhibition set within one of London’s most celebrated elevated garden spaces. This special members’ showcase will present ambitious, outdoor sculptures in the extraordinary environment of the Roof Gardens.

About the Kensington Roof Gardens – A Brief History

Perched 100 feet above Kensington High Street, the Roof Gardens were created in 1936 by landscape architect Ralph Hancock, commissioned by the Derry & Toms department store.

Covering 1.5 acres, they remain one of Europe’s largest and most imaginative roof gardens—an ambitious union of engineering, horticulture, and architectural fantasy.

Now Grade II listed, the Roof Gardens have long been a site of innovation and cultural activity, evolving from their 1930s department-store origins to become one of London’s most extraordinary green spaces.

This exhibition continues that creative legacy by bringing contemporary sculptural practice into a setting where history, horticulture, and architecture meet.

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About the Exhibition

Selected works will be displayed throughout the gardens for an exhibition running from May to October 2026. We request that the work be completed and in the UK at the time of application.

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Eligibility

This open call is exclusively for current Royal Society of Sculptors Members

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What We Are Seeking - We welcome sculptures that:

•  Demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship, and material sensitivity

• Are durable, weather-resistant, and safe for an unsupervised public environment

• Enhance the visitor experience within the unique rooftop landscape

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Submission Requirements

Applicants are welcome to submit up to 5 works for consideration and must provide the following:

• Name, membership designation, and contact details

• Up to 5 primary work images with details, description, and install requirements.

• The option to add up to 12 additional images to offer different vantage points of the proposed artworks.

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Applicants are asked to consider the following while submitting work and providing details:

•   The weight limit of the goods lift is 2000kg

•   The height restriction of the goods lift/ entrance to the garden is ****(whichever is smallest)

•  The width restriction of the goods lift / entrance to the garden is ****(whichever is smallest)

• Works that need secured to the ground are accepted but the fixings can only go to a maximum depth of ****(depth of the grass)

• Suitable outdoor plinths must be provided with the artworks – these must meet the weight/dimension limitations listed above.

• The Royal Society of Sculptors will take a 30% commission on any sales made during the exhibition.

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via CuratorSpace.

Please complete the application form and upload all required materials through the CuratorSpace listing.

No email submissions will be accepted.

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Key Dates

• Submission deadline: 9 am, Monday 9 March 2026

• Notification of selected artists: week commencing 16 March 2026

• Artwork collection and Installation: week commencing 18 May 2026

• Exhibition opening event: Wednesday 20 May 2026, 6 – 9 pm

• Exhibition period: Thursday 21 May – Sunday 18 October 2026

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Support Provided

Exhibiting Royal Society of Sculptors Members will receive:

•  Promotion via the Kensington Roof Gardens and Royal Society of Sculptors channels

•  Professional photography of the installed works.

•  Transport and installation costs of the works will be covered by Kensington Roof Gardens.

•  Temporary membership to the Kensington Roof Gardens for the duration of the exhibition.