Two Fermanagh galleries have once again sponsored awards which were presented to talented artists exhibiting at this year’s 141st annual Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) exhibition at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

The Devenish Gallery in Enniskillen sponsored the ‘Outstanding Artist Award’, which was presented to artist Brian Ballard, while the ‘John Richardson Bursary Award’, sponsored by Fermanagh gallery Hambly & Hambly, was presented to artist Mark Shields for his piece, ‘False Door’.

Fermanagh is also well-represented in the exhibition with works on display by senior Royal Ulster Academicians Mavis Thomson SRA and Dr. Denise Ferran, a former president of the RUA.

The RUA is the most enduring body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland, and its annual exhibition is one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland arts calendar.

The exhibition showcases work from established artists and new artists from all over the world, alongside work by RUA academicians.

Now in its 141st year, this exhibition continues to grow, attracting this year an unprecedented 2,000 entries to the open submission process, including 46 video entries.

It provides a relevant platform for contemporary painting, sculpture, film, printmaking, installations and photography.

For the first time ever, there are also dedicated spaces in the exhibition for showcasing entries from video artists.

The free exhibition continues until January 3, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.