People Affected by Drug and Alcohol Problems

The RA Education Department partners with Westminster Drug Project. The service users participate in regular gallery tours and workshops with the Royal Academy. They are also involved in our Access Volunteer Programme. 

Gallery Tour of 'The Real Van Gogh' exhibition, led by Kate Horbury for Westminster Drug Project

Click here to view a mini-exhibition at the RA, created as part of a Summer Exhibition workshop delivered by Will Bishop Stephens for The Core Trust, August 2011:

View gallery Access workshop: Mini-exhibition at the RA

I have to admit that although I was excited at seeing the exhibition, I had very low expectations of what to expect from the Academy support team. I could not have been more wrong! The Access Officer was fantastic, informative, witty, helpful and charming to boot. Through her knowledge my pleasure at seeing the exhibition was magnified a thousand fold...the visit for me it was a revelatery experience:, both in my appreciation of Van Gogh and of the benefits that someone of knowledge can amplify one's experience of an exhibition.

I enjoyed the day going to see Van Gogh and learning the life of an artist from the beginning to the end. When someone has a dream and they persue it, no matter how life goes up and down, no matter how their health is.... I felt insight into his thoughts and feelings.

Feedback from a 'Van Gogh' Gallery Tour for people undergoing drug rehabilitation

Westminster Drugs Project & Barclays Community Workshop in 'Modern British Sculpture' exhibition, Feb 2011, led by artist educators Kim Jacobson & Paul Brandford.

• Royal Academy of Arts