Royal Academy America
Royal Academy America
The RA is a globally recognised institution. Royal Academy America, our organisation for American supporters, not only gives its members exclusive access to events and trips, but also gives valuable support back to the RA itself.
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About Royal Academy America
An autonomous American 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organisation with an independent board of trustees was founded in 1983. Originally known as the American Associates of the Royal Academy Trust, or AARAT, the organisation has successfully raised the profile of the RA in the United States and provided significant financial support to the RA in London for over 30 years. In 2015, the charity changed its name to Royal Academy America, initiating a new chapter in the organisation’s history.
Since its inception, there has been a strong American presence at the Royal Academy. The 18th-century American painter Benjamin West was both a founder of the Royal Academy and its second president. The Academy’s membership has included American artists such as John Singleton Copley, John Singer Sargent and Edwin Austin Abbey. Today, Honorary Royal Academicians include Frank Gehry, Jasper Johns, Richard Serra, Frank Stella, Cy Twombly, Jeff Koons and Jenny Holzer.
The founding of Royal Academy America in 1983 created a formal role for American interest in the Royal Academy’s work. Since the Royal Academy continues to operate independently without government aid, support in the U.S. has brought new strength and security to the Royal Academy’s mission on behalf of artists, students, scholars and the general public.
Patrons of Royal Academy America have helped enable the creation of the Annenberg Courtyard, The Jillian and Arthur M. Sackler Wing, the restoration of the largest of the Main Galleries, The Lee and James C. Slaughter Room and The Dame Jillian Sackler Archive Room, to name but a few of the projects funded by American donors. Additionally, through the Starr Fellowship, Royal Academy America helps support American artists by providing funds for a one-year residency at the Royal Academy Schools.
Royal Academy America donors help ensure that the lively exchange of culture and ideas continues and that the historic partnership between the Royal Academy of Arts and Royal Academy America will continue in good health for many years to come.
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Events
Throughout the year, Royal Academy America organises special events exclusively for its RAA Patrons. These include artist salons, lectures, private collection visits, behind-the-scenes tours and more. We also organise trips to London, which include private views at the Royal Academy, artist studio tours and day trips to historic landmarks across England.
For more information, please contact Karin Grundy, Head of Patrons, Royal Academy of Arts, at Karin@raamerica.org or +44 207 300 5671
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Membership
As an independent arts organisation the RA receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters. By joining as a Patron of Royal Academy America, you are supporting the work of the Royal Academy, and can also enjoy benefits in the United States, London and beyond.
Once you have decided which level of patronage suits you, you simply need to download and complete the joining form. If you have any queries or would like to join over the phone, please contact Karin Grundy, Head of Patrons, Royal Academy of Arts, at karin.grundy@royalacademy.org.uk or +44 207 300 5671
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![Cornelia Parker RA at the Royal Academy America 2015 Gala]()
Patron level
Silver
$2,500 - $4,999
($140 of which is not tax-deductible)Silver Patrons can sample all sides of the Royal Academy by enjoying a series of engaging events that highlight the many facets of this historic institution.
In addition to all the benefits that donors enjoy, Silver Patrons will receive invitations to special events around the US including exhibition previews, behind-the-scenes tours and private talks with Royal Academicians and internationally recognised curators. Take advantage of VIP morning access for two and be the first to see all Royal Academy exhibitions during the RA’s weekly Patrons-only opening hours.
As a Silver Patron, you’ll enjoy priority booking to Friends events at the Royal Academy, complimentary tickets to selected art fairs around the US and the ability to join the Academicians’ Room, the invitation-only private members room at Burlington House in London, with no joining fee.
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![Exclusive exhibition preview and artist talk with Richard Long RA]()
Patron Level
Gold
$5,000 - $9,999
($200 of which is not tax-deductible)Gold Patrons can take advantage of privileged access to high-end events and international travel designed exclusively for Royal Academy supporters.
Not only will you enjoy all the benefits of Silver Patrons and donors, but you’ll also receive invitations to curatorial tours and private collection visits, VIP passes to major international art fairs and access to the star-studded Summer Exhibition Preview Party held at the Royal Academy in London.
Additional benefits of Gold-level membership include premium booking on Patrons events and international travel and invitations to all exhibition opening receptions at the Royal Academy.
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![RA America Summer Brunch at the Pollock-Krasner House]()
Patron Level
Platinum
$10,000 - $24,999)
($250 of which is not tax-deductible)The Platinum Patrons level is for those looking for bespoke, behind-the-scenes opportunities both in London and around the US.
Platinum level benefits include invitations to exclusive Patron events around the US, providing privileged access to Royal Academicians and an insider’s look at their current and upcoming projects. You will also receive invitations to attend Honorary Royal Academician ceremonies in the US and private tours of the Royal Academy Galleries, Schools and Studios.
As a Platinum Patron you will have the opportunity to host private events at the Royal Academy at reduced rates, in addition to receiving all the benefits of Silver and Gold Patrons.
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![Royal Academy America 2015 Gala Honourees Jeff Koons Hon RA and Usher]()
Patron level
Presidential
$25,000 and above
($850 of which is not tax-deductible)Exclusive to Royal Academy America, the Presidential Patron level provides donors with insight into the artistic vision of Christopher Le Brun, President of the Royal Academy, and other senior members of the Royal Academy.
In addition to the benefits that Platinum Patrons enjoy, Presidential Patrons also recieve invitations to private events with the President of the Royal Academy in the US and London, including the annual President’s Dinner at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Additional benefits include unlimited access to the Academicians’ Room at Burlington House for up to four guests, invitations to private receptions with the Royal Academicians in New York, and complimentary catalogues for all major Royal Academy exhibitions.
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Royal Academy America board
The following individuals generously serve as members of the Royal Academy America board:
Aryeh B Bourkoff CEO, LionTree LLC
Ilaria Bulgari Philanthropist
Prof Sir David Cannadine FBA
Jim Clerkin CEO, Moët Hennessy USA
Elizabeth Crain (Treasurer) COO, Moelis & Co.
C Hugh Hildesley MBE EVP, Sotheby’s
David Hockney OM CH RA
Bill Jacklin RA
Monika McLennan (Vice-Chair) Philanthropist
David Sabel Partner, Cleary Gottlieb
Dame Jillian Sackler DBE CEO, AMS Foundation
Joan N Stern Esq Eckert Seamans
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![RA America Summer Brunch at the Pollock-Krasner House]()
Contact us
Royal Academy America
54 Thompson St, 3rd Fl.
New York, NY 10012
USATel: (001) 212 980 8404
Karin Grundy, Head of Patrons: karin@raamerica.org
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Privacy Policy
Royal Academy America is committed to protecting your data. We maintain the data you provide us, along with a record of your donations, in secure databases. As a RA America patron, we will share your personal data with the Royal Academy in London, in order for you to be properly acknowledged during visits and for you to receive appropriate news and invitations about our upcoming programming.
RA America regularly sends information via email, as the most environmentally friendly and timely means of communication. If at all possible, please provide an email address. You may opt out at any time by following the “unsubscribe” instructions included in the email message.
If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, please contact our office at info@raamerica.org or (001) 212 980 8404.