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Artists have the opportunity to sell their entries. In 2012, nearly 5,000 works, including unframed editions, were sold; the total value of sales was over £3,200,000.
Installation view of Wohl Central Hall, Summer Exhibition 2012. Photo: John Bodkin. Almost 200,000 people visit the show each year. It is a prominent feature in the art world calendar and offers artists the opportunity to have their work viewed by an international audience.
The exhibition receives extensive press and marketing coverage; the BBC programmes in recent years have introduced new audiences to the exhibition and given valuable exposure to the artists.
The details of all exhibited works are published in the List of Works and a broad range of selected works is featured in the exhibition catalogue, the Royal Academy Illustrated.
A total of over £60,000 is awarded for works in the Summer Exhibition.
Each exhibitor receives a card that admits the artist to the exhibition during public opening hours and allows him or her to bring a guest to the private views on 6, 7, 8 and 9 June.
The procession from the Royal Academy's courtyard to St James's Church, Piccadilly. Historically an opportunity for artists to ‘varnish and retouch their Pictures’, today Non-Members’ Varnishing Day is a celebration of the exhibition; refreshments are served and prizes are given. It is an opportunity for exhibitors to view the show before it opens and to meet fellow artists.
Before the reception, guests are greeted at the Academy by a steel band which leads the artists’ procession along Piccadilly to St James’s Church where a service is held.
