Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent fine arts institution which supports contemporary artists and promotes interest in the arts through a comprehensive and ambitious exhibition programme. Education work, and the RA Schools, ensure that the skills and knowledge of today's most talented artists are passed on to the next generation.

The Royal Academy is completely autonomous, politically independent and self-funding. It is supported by private sponsorship. The Friends organisation - the third largest in the world - numbers more than 85,000 members.

The Royal Academy is governed by the Royal Academicians, who are all eminent practising painters, printmakers, sculptors and architects. There are 80 Academicians, who are elected to one of the following categories: painting, sculpture and architecture. Membership is open to any artist who is professionally active in the United Kingdom.