Royal Academy of the Arts – London

They are an Academy

They have a lot in common with museums and other galleries. Still, as an academy, they have a wider role to play—to encourage not just the appreciation and understanding of art but also its practice.

Led by artists

Like the Academy’s founders, Royal Academics are still led by many of the greatest artists and architects of the day. Every Royal Academic must be an artist elected by his or her colleagues to recognise his or her work. Their academicians represent many different perspectives, and all share a deep commitment to art and a strong belief in artists’ contributions to the world.

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Independent Charity Organization

Unlike most of their peers, they don’t receive government tax funding, so they rely on the sponsorship of visitors, supporters, sponsors, and the loyal Friends of the Royal Academy to continue their work. Their academics embody many different backgrounds, and they all share a profound dedication to art and a firm belief in artists’ contribution to the world.

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What they do

They host exhibitions and events all year round, from ancient sculpture to modern masterpieces, the original home of the blockbuster exhibition. Every year they have an open-submission art exhibition for the people. Their programme of events opens up the worlds of their exhibitions and helps to introduce new audiences to their art and artists.

They have a school of fine contemporary art.

They’re home to Britain’s longest-established art school, the RA Schools. Their three-year postgraduate course is one of the most competitive in the country and offers free education to all who study there.

They are proud custodians of art treasures.

When elected, all Royal Academicians donate one of their works of art to the Academy Collection, creating a treasure trove of British art. You can browse their Collection online or visit the galleries to see some of it on display.

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