Explore our Impact 2025/26

Explore our Impact 2025/26

We're delighted to share our Impact Report 2025/26, celebrating another remarkable year at the RWA. As an independent charity, everything we achieve is made possible through the support of our visitors, artists, volunteers, members, patrons, donors, funders and partners.  

Over the past year, we welcomed more than 128,000 visitors, delivered ambitious exhibitions, supported artists to develop and sell their work, and created opportunities for thousands of people to engage with art through our learning and engagement programmes.  

Inside this year's report, you'll discover how: 

  • Our exhibitions connected audiences with world-class artists and ideas. 

  • More than 2,400 people took part in learning and engagement activities. 

  • Artists were supported through exhibitions, professional development opportunities and over £100,000 in exhibition sales. 

  • Volunteers contributed 4,800 hours of their time to support the RWA. 

  • The incredible generosity of artists and supporters helped our Secret Postcard Auction raise £92,000 for our charitable work.  

You'll also find stories from participants, artists, volunteers and visitors whose experiences demonstrate the difference creativity can make in people's lives.  

As an independent charity we proudly raise over £1 million each year. We rely on a combination of earned income and charitable support to deliver our programme and care for our Grade II* listed home. Every exhibition ticket, shop purchase, course booking, donation and membership helps make our work possible.  

Help Shape Our Next Chapter 

If you'd like to support the RWA, there are many ways to get involved: 

Secret Postcard Auction 
Join Bristol's most exciting art fundraiser and help support our exhibitions, learning programmes and work with artists. Click here to find out mor.

Become a Friend 
Enjoy free exhibition entry and exclusive events while helping sustain the RWA's work. The Friends contributed an incredible £35,000 towards our activities last year.  Click here to find out more.

Become a Patron 
Support the long-term future of the RWA while enjoying exclusive previews, events and behind-the-scenes access. Click here to find out more.

Thank You 

Whether you've visited an exhibition, attended a workshop, bought an artwork, volunteered your time, donated to Secret Postcard Auction, joined the Friends, become a Patron or simply helped spread the word about the RWA, thank you. Your support helps us remain a welcoming, ambitious and independent charity at the heart of Bristol's cultural life.  

Together, we are supporting artists, engaging communities, preserving an important cultural landmark and creating opportunities for people of all ages to develop a lifelong relationship with art.  

Explore the report