About the Learning Department

The RA is a unique organisation that remains true to its origins in 1768 as a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Our mission is simple: to be a clear, strong voice for art and artists.

The Learning Department supports the mission of the RA by engaging diverse audiences in the practice of art through creative, hands-on experiences, involving people in exploring and debating art of the past and the present, and working with community groups to bring the RA to new audiences.

The audiences we serve include adults, teachers and students, families, young people, access audiences and community groups. 2011–12 was a record year, with more than 1,460 events presented, reaching audiences of over 60,000.

Highlights from 2011–12 include: family studio father and child

Unprecedented numbers for the events programme that accompanied the blockbuster exhibition 'David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture', with over 16,500 participants.

Growing initiatives for families including monthly, free drop-in workshops on Sundays, an architecture family festival, family workshops with schools and our continued collaboration with Kids Company.

The continued flourishing of 'InMind at the RA': our programme for individuals living with dementia and their carers, friends and family members. A 2011 study reveals that InMind offers new and inspiring opportunities to a broad range of adult learners, through its enquiry-based mode of delivery. Positive outcomes for the participants include increased levels of social engagement; enhanced skills, knowledge and experience; enjoyment and fulfilment.

The exhibition ‘Child Hood – The Real Event’, presented in 6 Burlington Gardens and set against the background of the Olympics. Created in collaboration with Kids Company, the exhibition highlighted the real challenges of growing up in urban London in 2012 and received glowing reviews from both the press and members of the public.

A new partnership with St. Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham, that has developed through workshops at the hospice and at the RA, the creation of a mural for the hospice by patients, their family members and carers, and paintings that have been gathered into an artists’ book. The collaboration culminated this year in a poignant and well-received RA Forum on personal landscapes and creativity at the end of life.

We also greatly appreciate the Royal Academicians who worked with the Learning Department in 2011–12: Will Alsop, Gordon Benson, Anne Desmet, Jennifer Dickson, Nigel Hall, Tess Jaray, Christopher Le Brun, Richard MacCormac, John Maine, Lisa Milroy, Humphrey Ocean, Grayson Perry and Richard Wilson.

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Contact Information

General inquiries: learning@royalacademy.org.uk

Questions about Teachers and Students Programmes: studentgroups@royalacademy.org.uk

Phone: 020 7300 5995 (Schools and Families) or 020 7300 5839 (Adult events)