RWA awarded ‘Bristol Legends Award’

The RWA has been awarded the ‘Bristol Legends Award’ as part of the Bristol Life Awards 2026.

The Bristol Legends Award is a special recognition category for Bristol-based businesses operating for 20 years or more and showcasing exemplary longevity, achievement and contribution to Bristol.

The Bristol Life panel of judges selected the RWA as the overall winner sharing that ‘we are so lucky to have the RWA. 182 years as an independent, iconic gallery – central to Bristol’s arts and culture for so many decades.’

Established in 1844, the RWA is Bristol’s first independent art gallery, presenting world class contemporary exhibitions, leading educational programmes and meaningful community engagement.

Building on the spirit of RWA founder, Ellen Sharples, a new all-female leadership team has brought a renewed energy, clarity and ambition to the organisation, guided by a clear vision: to be a place where everyone can nurture a lifelong journey with art.

With this renewed momentum, last year was a landmark year - welcoming 120,000 visitors, supported 1,000 exhibiting artists, delivered 1,300+ hours of Drawing School tuition - all powered by 100+ volunteers.

Our Spring Exhibition, Paule Vézelay: Living Lines, was a defining highlight, attracting record visitor numbers and earning a coveted four-star Guardian review.

The outreach and engagement programme continued to offer accessible art, offering life changing and life enhancing outcomes. A Bristol After Stroke programme participant captured this by sharing that “I didn’t know I could do this… it’s really good. It’s much better than being on my own.” 

We are so proud that the RWA has been recognised as a ‘Legend’ – thank you to Bristol Life and the panel of judges for this opportunity.