252 years ago, a group of artists made it their mission to form an annual exhibition to support artists and architects, by showcasing art of the moment to the nation. The Summer Exhibition has run uninterrupted ever since: a backdrop to famous artistic rivalries of the past and now a fixture of the summer calendar for art seekers, year after year.
Coordinated by artistic duo Jane and Louise Wilson RA, this autumn is set to be just as uplifting – you are sure to see art you love, art you hate, and art that puts a smile on your face. You might even find art to take home.
This year’s exhibition includes new works by Tracey Emin, Rebecca Horn, Anselm Kiefer, Julian Schnabel, Gillian Wearing and Ai Weiwei.
Buy a ticket or an artwork and directly support artists and the RA
Income from the Summer Exhibition supports both the exhibiting artists and the not-for-profit work of the RA. That means by buying a ticket or an artwork, you are helping us to continue our mission to champion artists – from training the next generation for free in the RA Schools, to outreach work to teachers, children and local communities. As a charity without government funding, it is more important this year than ever.
If art has taught us anything over the past months, it is that it can act as a global symbol of hope, offer individual moments of solace, and create much-needed daily distractions from the enormity of our new situation.
#SummerNotSummer