Learning from the New RA: one year on
Tuesday 21 May 2019 2.30 - 6pm
Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly
Free, booking required.
In 2018, the RA completed the biggest transformation in its 250-year history. Join us for a free afternoon of learning to reflect on the successes and challenges of this transformational project, one year on.
This event will give industry professionals an insight into the programming and organisational changes that were developed to animate The New RA.
Through a series of talks and workshops, RA staff will discuss the following areas of transformation: the exhibition and activities around our first free collection; what it takes to build a successful learning programme; the digitisation of our historical collection; audience development through insight and new events such as the co-curated RA Student Nights: The Birthday Party; and working with a force of volunteers.
Throughout the day you will be able to explore the new spaces at the RA including the Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, RA Collection Gallery and Clore Learning Centre.
The afternoon concludes with a panel discussion about the legacy of transformational projects, chaired by Stephen Deuchar, Director of Art Fund. We hope this will be an opportunity for you to share your views about our transformation.
This event will be followed by an informal networking drinks reception.
In 2018, the RA restored its two historical sites, connecting Burlington House to the newly opened 6 Burlington Gardens. Part funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. These new spaces gave us the opportunity to throw open our doors to the public and present a new home for art and ideas.
Space for this event is limited. Please RSVP to secure your place with your choice of workshops to academy.events@royalacademy.org.uk
For participants traveling from outside of London we have several travel bursaries available. Download this form for more information and to apply.
Plan of the day
2.30 - 3.45pm Short presentations from RA staff about The New RA and its programmes. Includes an overview of the New RA, the RA Collection and working with artists, digitising the collection, learning programmes and partnerships, working with volunteers and understanding your audience.
4 - 5pm An opportunity to go into greater depth with the RA experts. Guests can choose from two of five 25 minute workshops below, subject to availability. Please indicate your preferred choice with your RSVP.
• Artist interventions - Richard Deacon RA, Sarah Pickstone, Adam Hogarth
• Learning workshop
• Digital - Collections explorer and digitisation
• Volunteer-led tour and discussion
• Collections displays
5 - 6pm Stephen Deuchar, Director of Art Fund, will chair a discussion exploring the immediate aftermath and future of large-scale projects in cultural organisations. This will be an opportunity to open the day to questions from participants. Panelists include Helen Charman, Director of Learning and National Programmes at the V&A.
Further panelists to be announced.
More on the New RA
Gilbert & George’s advice to today's art students
12 October 2018
Quiz: which great British artwork are you?
18 May 2018