Royal Academy of the Arts

They are an Academy

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

Led by artists

Like the founders of the Academy, they are still led by many of the greatest artists and architects of the day. Every Royal Academic must be an artist who is elected by his or her colleagues to recognise his or her work. Many different perspectives are represented by their academicians, and all share a deep commitment to art and a strong belief in the contribution artists make to the world.

Independent Charity Organization

They don’t receive government tax funding, unlike most of their peers, and 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 the contribution that artists make to the world.

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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