The RWA maintains a diverse permanent collection of artwork, spanning 200 years, which includes pieces by our Academicians alongside significant purchased and donated works. Through our ongoing programme, we are committed to the careful conservation, maintenance, and exhibition of these important historical and contemporary pieces. 

We are proud recipients of the Museum Accreditation, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership. This nationally agreed industry benchmark confirms that the RWA is properly managed and governed, demonstrating our commitment to taking proper care of our collections, sharing them with visitors, and keeping them safe for future generations. 

Our permanent collection is shared in numerous ways, facilitating historical, developmental, and academic research. Furthermore, Volunteers, students, and RWA Members actively use the collection as a foundation for creating exhibitions that explore artistic, social and creative movements. 

Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes - from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK. 

Image credit: Young people taking part in our work experience programme, exploring items from the Permanent Collection. Alastair Brookes/KoLAB Studios

About Museum Accreditation

More information about the Accreditation scheme can be found on the Arts Council’s website here.