Benefits to exhibitors
Sale of artworks
Artists have the opportunity to sell their entries. In 2011 nearly 5000 works, including unframed editions, were sold; the total value of sales was almost £3,500,000.
Artist exposure
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. In this Olympic and Diamond Jubilee year, it is anticipated that visitors will come from far and wide.
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 and unframed editions are published in the List of Works. Additionally, a broad range of selected works is featured in the exhibition catalogue, the Royal Academy Illustrated.
Prizes
A total of over £60,000 is awarded for works in the Summer Exhibition.
Exhibitor’s card
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 31 May, 1, 2 and 3 June.
Invitation to Non-Members' Varnishing Day
The procession from the Royal Academy's courtyard to St James's Church, Piccadilly Historically this was an occasion for artists to ‘varnish and retouch their Pictures’ but today the event, to which all exhibitors are invited, is seen much more as a celebration of the exhibition; refreshments are served and prizes are awarded.
It is an opportunity for exhibitors to view the show before it opens to the public and to meet fellow artists, familiar faces or new acquaintances, as well as Royal Academicians.
Prior to 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.
Read a report from 2010's event including interviews with first-time exhibitors
Installation view of the Lecture Room, Summer Exhibition 2011. Photo: John Bodkin/DawkinsColour
