About
"One of the most beautiful places in which to look at art in this country" - Sir Nicolas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England
Welcome to the RWA – Bristol's first art gallery. We are proud to bring world-class visual art from around the world to the South West and we have done so since 1844.
Our vision is to be be a place that welcomes, inspires and enriches the lives of all people from all communities and all backgrounds through Art and Creativity.
Located in a spectacular Grade II* listed building in the heart of the city, the RWA is the UK's only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built gallery. In 2021, the building completed a £4.8m transformation - opening up access for all. We provide opportunities for everybody to get creative and feel inspired.
You can read more about the impact of our Light & Inspiration project here.
As a result of the project, the RWA prides itself in being accessible to all. This includes a full Changing Places Toilet Facility; a large family room full of creative things for children to enjoy, and specialist activities, such as BSL interpretation, sighted-guide and touch-tours, and monthly teatime tours for those living with dementia and their carers (see here for more information).
Through its extensive programme of exhibitions, events, workshops, talks and lectures, the RWA is committed to providing great art for everybody, and to promoting the understanding and enjoyment of art for the widest possible audience. This includes activities across Bristol, including some of its most underserved areas, as well as in the RWA's own building.
Exhibitions at the RWA always feature work by leading contemporary artists (including the RWA’s own Academicians) alongside great works from the past, often brought to the city and region for the first time, opening up new and surprising contexts and discussions.
Engagement and learning are vital to the work and future of the RWA. Through the activities of the Learning and Participation team, and the outstanding workshops and courses offered by the RWA Drawing School, the RWA aims to nurture artistic talent and champion creative endeavour.
The RWA is an entirely independent charity (1070163), unusual in that it has no public subsidy, dependent on ticket and other earned income, as well as to our Patrons, Friends, Sponsors and all those who provide invaluable support.
You can explore the archive of some of the exhibitions that have been held at the RWA here.
RWA's Mission
Our mission is welcome, inspire and encourage people from all communities by showcasing world class art of the past and present; celebrating excellence, and giving opportunities to aspiring and emerging artists and curators. To nurture creativity for all, through our learning programme, community partnerships and Drawing School, and embed the wellbeing of people, place and planet in every aspect of everything we do, establishing the RWA as an accessible and dynamic flagship for the transformative power of creativity.
Anti-Racist Practice Statement
We are committed to making the RWA a safe, welcoming and inspiring place for everyone. We recognise that we have not made enough progress yet. We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go to ensure our programme, exhibitions and collection, as well as our staff, volunteers and board, are all reflective of the diversity of Bristol today. We are committed to sustained change in our organisation and to making the RWA an anti-racist organisation in a sustained, continuous, meaningful way for the long-term.
Bristol Equality Charter
We are proud to be signed up to the Bristol Equality Charter. As a partner, we share an ambition to create a fairer, safer, accessible and inclusive city where everyone feels they belong, has a voice and an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.
PDF Downloads
RWA Light & Inspiration Impact Report
Related
Your Visit
Times, prices, directions and more
Tickets and Art Passes
Find out more about our tickets and memberships
Support Us
Find out how you can support us as a registered charity
Impact
Help enrich the lives of people from all communities and backgrounds with art
Our Community
We learn a huge amount from the creative individuals we work with on projects often connected to RWA exhibitions
What's On
Experience art exhibitions, events, art classes and family workshops at Bristol's first art gallery and across the city