Video: the story of the RA
Find out more about our story with a short video introduction to the Royal Academy of Arts from 1768 to today.
About the RA
For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists. Enjoy our expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.
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We’re run by the Royal Academicians, artists and architects elected by their peers in recognition of their exceptional work. We’re home to Britain’s longest established art school, the RA Schools. Every year since 1768 we’ve held an annual Summer Exhibition, the largest open-submission art exhibition in the world. We present our collection of art and architecture in free displays throughout our home on Piccadilly. And we put on world-class exhibitions of art from around the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to our galleries each year.
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Who we are
We are an Academy
We have a lot in common with museums and other galleries, but as an Academy, we have a broader role – to promote not just the appreciation and understanding of art, but also its practice.
We are led by artists
Just as our founders intended, we are still led by many of the greatest artists and architects of the day. Each Royal Academician must be a practising artist, elected by their peers in recognition of their work. Our Academicians represent many different perspectives, but we all share a deep commitment to art and a strong belief in the contribution that artists make to the world.
We are an independent charity
Unlike most of our peers, we don’t receive revenue funding from the government and so we are reliant upon the support of visitors, donors, sponsors, and the loyal Friends of the Royal Academy to continue our work.
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What we do
We host exhibitions and events all year round
From ancient sculpture to modern-day masterpieces, we are the original home of the blockbuster exhibition. We stage an annual Summer Exhibition, the world’s largest open-submission exhibition. Our events programme opens up the worlds of our exhibitions and helps introduce new audiences to our art and artists.
We have a school of contemporary fine art
We are home to Britain’s longest established art school, the RA Schools. Our three-year postgraduate course is one of the most competitive in the country, and we’re proud to offer free tuition to all who study here.
We’re proud custodians of artistic treasures
All Royal Academicians donate one of their artworks to our Collection when elected, creating a treasure trove of British art. You can explore our Collection online, or visit our galleries to see some of it on display.
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A brief history of the RA
The RA was founded in 1768 by a group of 40 artists and architects who became the first Royal Academicians. The first president was Sir Joshua Reynolds, whose statue now stands outside Burlington House.
Over the past 250 years, we’ve moved house several times, elected hundreds of new RAs and even survived the Blitz – all while continuing to stage an annual Summer Exhibition, elect new members and champion art and architecture in all its forms. Read our exceptional story here.
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Our Strategy 2023–2028
Our ambition over the next five years is to deliver a financially sound, culturally and educationally renowned and environmentally sustainable RA.
Download the Royal Academy of Arts Strategy 2023–2028.
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Our community
We welcome thousands of different people to our home on Piccadilly every year. We’re fortunate to have so many loyal Patrons and Friends, whose support is absolutely crucial to our survival as an independent charity. We also house a private members’ club, the Academicians’ Room, which hosts parties, film screenings and interviews.
Throughout the year we run events for teachers and students, introducing young people to new artists, artistic processes and architectural ideas. Our access programme tailors events for people with certain accessibility requirements, organising talks in BSL and tours for mobility impaired visitors. We invite families to join us at workshops and talks specially designed for younger visitors, or pick up Art Detectives packs in our galleries to help children engage with the art they see. We also work with specific community groups through initiatives like our Art Club, which welcomes those experiencing homelessness to creative sessions at the RA.
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the RA
We are committed to being a truly inclusive place. Find out what we are doing to prioritise equity, diversity and inclusion across the RA, including updates on our commitment to race equity and inclusion, and information about our decolonial research project.
Find out more about equity, diversity and inclusion at the RA
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Our annual reporting and accounts
You can find out more detailed information about every aspect of the Royal Academy by reading our annual reports.
Download our 2021/22 Annual Report
Download our 2020/21 Annual Report
Download our 2019/20 Annual Report
Download our 2018/19 Annual Report
Download our 2018/2019 Accounts
Read our reports on our Gender Pay Gap.
Download our 2022 Gender Pay Gap statistics
Download our 2021 Gender Pay Gap statistics
Download our 2020 Gender Pay Gap statistics
Download our 2019 Gender Pay Gap statistics
Download our 2018 Gender Pay Gap statistics
You can find out more information about The Friends of the Royal Academy by reading the annual report and financial statements.
The Friends of the Royal Academy is a separate charity with its own trustees, which provides significant support to the work of the Royal Academy.
Download our 2021 – 2022 Friends of the Royal Academy Annual Report
Download our 2020 – 2021 Friends of the Royal Academy Annual Report
Download our 2019 – 2020 Friends of the Royal Academy Annual Report
Download our 2018 – 2019 Friends of the Royal Academy Annual Report
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Policies
Read our polices on:
The Royal Academy of Arts is supported by Convene who provide us with a digital board portal to allow us to have secure paperless board meetings.