The RWA (Royal West of England Academy) are pleased to have started work on a £3.8m capital project. Made possible by money raised from National Lottery players and other generous supporters, the project focuses on protecting and improving the beautiful building so that it can continue to enrich lives, nurture talent and inspire creativity for all in the South West. The project includes plans and partnerships to engage some of Bristol’s most vulnerable communities and they are pleased to launch their 2021 off-site programme in venues across Bristol.
Alison Bevan, Director says “Without this project there was a real risk the RWA would have to close its doors not just for lockdown, but permanently, and instead it is now set to achieve its potential as a major regional gallery.”
What will the project achieve?
● Urgent repairs to save the stunning Grade II* listed building from catastrophic failure
● One of Britain’s oldest and most beautiful galleries will welcome 40% more visitors through its doors
● The world’s finest artworks able to be shown in Bristol in exceptional spaces
● Hundreds of vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged people able to improve their wellbeing through art and creativity
● A step-change in financial and environmental sustainability for the organisation
How does the 2021 programme look?
The RWA’s focus has always been on fostering talent and nurturing creativity in people of all ages and backgrounds. Sponsored by international law firm DAC Beachcroft and in consultation with local communities, RWA will be delivering activities with many new groups throughout the project in venues across Bristol.
● A pop-up exhibition, Varekai (Wherever), which includes a selection of vibrant artworks from the permanent collection will be touring to community venues across Bristol (until Jan 2022) starting in Easton Community Centre.
FREE! Family workshops will accompany the exhibition in each venue.
● The exhibitions programme continues as the RWA, with the support of the Victoria Methodist Church next door on Whiteladies Road, displays a selection of works from the RWA Permanent Collection in the open space of the church. The RWA Collection - Our Heritage, Our Future (9 Oct – 27 Nov 2021) includes historic works by many of the RWA’s well-known members, such as Mary Fedden, Julian Trevelyan, Anne Redpath, David Inshaw and Dame Elisabeth Frink, as well as contemporary works by recent members such as Adelaide Damoah, Paul Thirkell and Leslie Glenn Damhus. Plus, two recent acquisitions by Albert Irvin.
● The much-anticipated Secret Postcard Auction returns online again this September. Last year the auction raised an amazing £110,000 for the charity.
● FREE! Scribble and Sketch sessions return in the autumn in Easton Community Centre, Faithspace, Redcliffe, Greenway Centre, Southmead and Hartcliffe Children's Centre which are particularily aimed at vulnerable groups
● The Drawing School programme continues and is being held at Hamilton House - the heart of Bristol's independent cultural quarter.
Helen Jacobs, RWA Learning & Participation Manager says “I am excited about partnering with people who have felt excluded from places like RWA before, and working more deeply for an extended time with these groups and individuals across the city”
Despite the success of the application for a National Lottery grant and the support of many other generous funders, the RWA still have a further 245,000 to raise in order to complete the project. Fundraising continues and a public crowdfunding campaign recently took place and they achieved £3.5k over the £20k target to bring a new Family and Community Space to Bristol. Details on how to support this appeal going forward can be found here.
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