attRAct

art through the Royal Academy careers and creative training

Supported by

Life Drawing Photo © Richard Eaton attRAct engages the individual A-level art student in a sustainable relationship with the Royal Academy of Arts.

Individual A-level art students from secondary state schools within nine London boroughs - Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, City of London and City of Westminster - are encouraged to become involved with specially designed programmes at the RA over a period of two years.

• Exhibition workshops
• Mentoring sessions with RA Schools students
• Architecture workshops
• Etching workshops led by RA Schools Print Tutor
• Behind-the-scenes tours and career advice
• Premium & Degree Show tours by RA Schools students
• Summer Exhibition talks by RAs
• Visits to Royal Academicians’ studios
• Young Friends Membership
• A-Level Summer Exhibition Online
• Exhibition catalogues for school library

attRAct Activities

'Architecture is everywhere, when you know how to find it'
A workshop, devised and led by architect Lucy Tauber,focused on experimenting with a variety of everyday and recycled materials and transforming them into an architectural environment. Scale model people were used in the structure to create a sense of space, and a photographic image was taken with special lighting and coloured gels to create atmosphere and dramatic impact.

An important component of the attRAct programme is the opportunity to speak to professionals in the Academy and learn about their careers. This session focused on curating, conservation and art handling. The group was guided by the RA Collections Manager Rachel Hewitt, art conservator Mandy Paulley and Head of Art Handling Dan Cowap.

Simon Lawson, RA Schools Print Tutor, gave a tutorial in etching in the print studio at RA’s postgraduate school. They experimented in various etching techniques, using paper and soft ground plates.

The Royal Academy is unique in having contemporary artists - the Royal Academicians - at its core. The Royal Academicians, some of the greatest names in British art, govern the Academy. Lisa Milroy was made an RA in 2005. Lisa graciously opened up her studio in the East End to speak about her life as an established practicing artist.

A stimulating drawing workshop was led by artist Jeanette Barnes, during which students drew from the life model. They were encouraged to develop their drawing skills by engaging in a series of quick mark making and imaginative exercises, which lead to longer, more challenging sessions, resulting in accomplished work.

A-level Summer Exhibition Online

attRAct piloted the A-level Summer Exhibition Online in 2007, which rolled out across the UK in 2008. It is open to all students at schools and colleges in the UK who are currently studying A levels, Higher/Advanced Higher or IB.

Read more about the A-level Summer Exhibition Online

Please contact us if you would like more information regarding the programme. Email attract@royalacademy.org.uk