Bristol’s own regional Royal Academy of Art launches its first ever crowdfunding campaign to create a new space for visitors of all ages and abilities to get creative.
The RWA (Royal West of England Academy) are launching the online donation campaign with Art Happens, a crowdfunding platform run by Art Fund, hoping to raise £20k to create a Family Space and a Community Space encouraging more visitors to enjoy and create art at the RWA. The campaign will run from midday on 18 May – midnight on 17 June 2021.
The Help Us Create an Art Space for All appeal focuses on the renovation of the historic basement area into a vibrant, new space for visitors to create their own works of art, inspired by exhibitions in the upstairs galleries, which have been described as some of the most beautiful in the country.
Visitors with profound disabilities will also be able to visit, thanks to a new Changing Places toilet facility – one of only three in art galleries in the South West – and a large new lift, which is being added to the landmark gallery.
The public will be encouraged to donate from as little as £5 up to £995 in return for exclusive art rewards, which include a dinner with celebrity artist, Grayson Perry, and help to complete the final stage of the RWA's major re-launch in February 2022. The link will go live on midday Tuesday 18 May artfund.org/RWA-art-for-all.
Alison Bevan, RWA Director says: “The historic walls of the RWA can sometimes feel imposing, meaning some people never get the chance to experience the amazing art inside. We want to change that.This project allows us to literally open our doors to welcome new people, especially those unused to visiting art galleries, and offer them an experience they have not had before. And our Gallery will be fully accessible too, meaning the RWA will be one of the few museums and galleries in the UK with specialist facilities for people with severe disabilities.”
Merrin Kalinowski of Art Fund says: “We are really excited to be supporting the RWA's first Crowdfunding appeal - raising awareness of both the project and the RWA generally, whose historic collections and increasingly diverse contemporary exhibitions should be reaching a national audience”.
What will the project achieve?
● Transformation of the outdated Victorian basement into a modern, multi-functional art space for all.
● Donations will directly fund digital equipment, furniture and fittings suitable for use by both young children and older visitors to create a contemporary environment for individuals, families, schools and communities.
● A fully equipped Changing Places toilet facility for severely disabled people. Available in only 5% of galleries and museums in the UK.
● A Community Space for vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged people to improve their well- being through art and creative activities.
Opening in February 2022 as part of the RWA’s wider, transformational Light and Inspiration project, visitors will be welcomed into the new Family Space. But without the additional funds required, this part of the project will not be able to take place.To find out more about the appeal, visit rwa.org.uk/lightandinspiration
The wider Light and Inspiration project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the fundraising appeal has been sponsored by Sarah Kenny Residential Lettings and Smith & Williamson
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