The society holds various exhibitions throughout the year, culminating in the annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. The exhibition consists of works by members and non-members, which are selected by a panel from an open call for entries. This exhibition promotes members, non-members and encourage new artists to show their work at their annual exhibition. The exhibition offers awards to selected artists and aims to highlight the wide range and diversity of fine art created by women. The SWA has a membership composed of a maximum of 150 members. The first step towards becoming a member is to submit six works regularly (although a maximum of four will be hung) for the Annual Open Exhibition. These are considered by a selection committee, and if judged exceptional, the artist is elected to become an associate member (ASWA), subject to space within the society. Associate members become eligible for election to full membership in the following year.
