Special Interest Patron Groups

All Patrons have the option of joining one of four special interest Patron Groups. Patrons that choose to join a special interest group still receive all the benefits of RA Patrons but, in addition, have events designed to access the RA with a slightly different focus. There is no additional cost to join a special interest group, and it is not compulsory. All are described below.

Benjamin West Patrons

_{Anish Kapoor RA, 'Shooting into the Corner', 2008-2009. Mixed media, Dimensions variable. Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2009. Photographer: Dave Morgan. Courtesy: the artist.} For those Patrons who enjoy interaction with art in a social context. The Benjamin West Patrons take their name from the first American President of the Academy, and attract supporters from a wide range of international backgrounds and experiences. Members of the group enjoy exclusive networking and socialising events, with unprecedented access to the arts and business world; an annual debate on art and investment; inspiring activity mornings for families; and the Annual Dinner, the most glamorous social occasion of the winter calendar.

Contemporary Circle Patrons

Members of the Contemporary Circle enjoy a series of events that give them exclusive access to the world of cutting edge contemporary art. Every event is an opportunity to learn about and discuss art and architecture. With visits to the studios of established and emerging artists, Patrons see the artistic process, and some of the world’s greatest private collections, first hand. Recent studio visits have included Antony Gormley RA and Michael Craig-Martin RA, and salon evenings have been led by sculpture Phyllida Barlow RA and ceramicist Edmund de Waal.

RA Schools Patrons

_{Ha Young Kim, Royal Academy Schools Final Year Show 2011. © Ha Young Kim. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London; Photographer: Marcus Leith.} For those Patrons with an interest in the future of art. The RA Schools offer the only free three-year postgraduate fine arts course in the UK, and are regarded as a global centre of excellence for art education. Each year 600 applicants vie for just 17 places. As a Patron of the RA Schools, 25% of your donation goes towards student bursaries, with the remainder directly to the Schools themselves. The events keep you connected to the students and their art: meet first-year students at the Keeper’s Dinner, discuss with the artists their mid-way point exhibition, Premiums, and their final year show, and take the opportunity to buy work from the RA Schools show before anyone else.

Young Patrons

For Patrons looking for a relaxed introduction to the London art world. The Young Patrons Group is for budding philanthropists who want to engage with art and artists in a sociable atmosphere at their own pace and want to help shape the future of the RA. The focus is on enjoying art with friends, with events including artist-designed dinners, special evening previews, gallery tours around London and access to private clubs and other venues across the capital.

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For all queries, please contact the Patrons Office:
Telephone: 020 7300 5885
Email: patrons@royalacademy.org.uk

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