156 Autumn Exhibition
26 October - 14 December 2008
Painting.• Drawing • Printmaking • Photography • Sculpture • Architecture click here.
In a unique educational alliance, the University of the West of England, Bristol and the Royal West of England Academy have entered a long term association between them to enable both organisations to advance their missions and strategies by working together.
BRISTOL
In 1999 the then chair of UWE Board of Governors, Mrs Karen Morgan, announced the establishment of a body to be known as 'the Patrons of the RWA' whose purpose was to nurture a partnership between the two related charities and to expand their contribution to the cultural and educational life of the west of England.
The Bristol School of Art, Media and Design dates back to the establishment in 1853 of the Bristol School of Practical Art, which became part of the Royal West of England Academy when it was granted its royal charter by Edward VII. From 1936 until 1969 it was the West of England College of Art, forming a cornerstone of the new Bristol Polytechnic and moving from Clifton to its present location in 1967. In 1992 it became one of the initial twelve Faculties in the new University of the West of England, Bristol. The alliance between the RWA and UWE has been developed by the UWE Directorate, RWA Council and the Patrons of the RWA.
A number of projects have already been realised as part of this alliance - the RWA artist's web pages were devised by a University Research Associate working with RWA staff and the Bristol School of Art, Media and Design's Web Editor. Projects past and future include major shows of student and staff work and an international printmaking exhibition from the USA curated by the Centre for Fine Print Research at UWE.
A considerable number of the RWA academicians are graduates of the West of England College of Art and its successors, including the sculptor Ann Christopher RA. Recent President Peter Thursby and current President Derek Balmer were trained there and both have received honorary degrees from the university, as did the late Dr David Bethel CBE, a former Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Polytechnics. Professor Paul Gough, Dean of the Bristol School of Art, Media and Design was elected a member in 1997 and has served on the Council since 1999. In recognition of his work in creating the educational alliance, Former UWE Vice Chancellor Alfred Morris was created an Honorary Academician in 2002.
RWA Links
The RWA has close links with many schools, colleges, universities and art societies. Education is an important element in any gallery experience and the RWA aims to supply programmes that provide quality art education in the gallery environment for all levels of ability, age and understanding.
RWA Educational Events include:
Gallery tours with exhibiting artists
Practical demonstrations by professional artists
Hands on workshops led by professional artists in all media
Forums to stimulate discussion and debate on contemporary art
Slide lectures by professional artists and historians
Student bursaries
Invited student exhibiting opportunity during all open exhibitions
All educational events are open to the public. For further information please see the current exhibition link or contact the RWA for details.
Bursary
In order to encourage and develop talent in the fine arts the Academy annually invites applications for the RWA bursary. Two bursaries of £1,000 are available to students in final year undergraduate or first year postgraduate courses in painting, printmaking, sculpture and architecture. Application details for the bursary are available from late Autumn, the closing date for applications is the 30th April each year. For further details please contact the Marketing Officer at the RWA.
to download a printable (pdf) guide to applying for a busary, click here
to download a printable (pdf) application form, click here
Group Visits
Group visits from schools, colleges, art groups and other organisations are welcomed and encouraged. All visitors under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge as are any accompanying teachers and members of staff as part of a school visit. College students and adult education groups are admitted at the concessionary rate. If you are planning a group visit to the Academy please contact the Administrator or the Marketing Officer to confirm your visit.