RWA Academicians

As a Royal Academy of Art, the RWA has professional artists at its heart, with a membership of around 150 Academicians who are elected by their peers. The current President is Hamish Young PRWA  

The process of becoming an Academician is by application and selection. The Academicians Council encourages applications from artists who are currently under-represented in the arts sector. 

Academicians are elected on the basis that they are:

• Practising artists or architects of exceptional ability and experience with a proven track record of exhibitions.
• Creators of art works judged to be of a consistently high standard.
• Willing to undertake the commitments and responsibilities of elected membership of the Academy.
• Live in a location which will allow them to be actively involved in the life of the Academy and have some knowledge of the Academy and its aims. e.g by having attended previous exhibitions or having been selected for the Annual Open exhibition.

Academicians' entitlements include:

• Use of RWA after name
• Free entry to all RWA exhibitions 
• Free entry to the Annual Open Exhibition with two works guaranteed to be selected for exhibition
• Invitations to all RWA Private Views
• A profile on the RWA website
• Invitations to quarterly networking events and talks
• A quarterly newsletter
• Discounts to RWA Drawing School courses and in the RWA shop
• Upon election there is an annual membership fee of £240.

Application Process 

Applications for 2026 have now closed.

Applications for 2027 are open between the 11th September 2026 and 28 February 2027. 

How to apply: Please download the supporting ‘Becoming an Academician’ Application Guide here, and answer the questions as detailed in the document. Please send your completed form to artists@rwa.org.uk

Please be aware that the yearly Academician process is highly competitive. Becoming an Academician Candidate is a significant achievement and there is no guarantee how many, if any, candidates are selected to become an Academician each year. 

If you have any questions regarding application please email artists@rwa.org.uk.

Kenny Gallery 

The Kenny Gallery is a dedicated space for exhibiting the works of RWA Academicians. 

The Kenny Gallery is named in honour of Tony Kenny (1961-2021), who was a keen art lover and philanthropist, and with his wife Sarah generously supported the RWA as Patrons

Through a programme of changing exhibitions, the Kenny Gallery celebrates the work of our Academicians - outstanding professional artists, elected by their peers - and is free for everyone to visit.

Karl Singporewala RIBA RWA, Leslie GlennDamhus RWA, Hamish Young PRWA and Angela Lizon RWA 2025. Photo Alastair Brookes/KoLAB Studios