Art / rwa
RWA announces extensive 2024 summer public engagement programme
The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is committed to widening access and breaking down barriers for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in Bristol to “contribute to and enjoy the world of art”.
Now in its 171st year, submissions are currently being welcomed for its prestigious Annual Open Exhibition, which sees work from UK and international artists of all levels of experience in drawing, painting, film, sculpture, photography, printmaking and more.
And alongside its many current exhibitions, New Black Narrative, Rasheed Araeen: Conscious Forms, Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation, Valda Jackson: Miss Polly and Allegory, the 180-year old institution continues to host a substantial programme of public engagement.
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Taking place in community venues across Bristol including Hartcliffe Children’s Centre, Faithspace in Redcliffe and the Greenway Centre Café, Southmead, monthly Saturday Scribble and Sketch workshops are free to attend.
Hosted by an artist, these sessions are fun, informal, and intended for children to participate alongside their parents and carers.
Craft activities at RWA – photo: Alice Hendy
Meanwhile, for new parents, monthly opportunities to bring their babies (12 months and under) into the RWA are designed with safety and comfort in mind.
“This free experience is designed to be pressure-free,” organisers say, “allowing parents to enjoy the gallery and share the space with other parents without worries about noise.”
Baby tour at RWA – photo: Alice Hendy
Free, bookable Early Years drop-in days aimed at toddlers and pre-schoolers take place in the RWA Family Room, with all craft materials provided.
Art Skills workshops for children and young people are designed to complement exhibitions of the day; in July, Bristol performance poet Leeza Awojobi will host a poetry session for 11-16 year olds.
Public engagement at the RWA – photo: Alice Hendy
For parents and carers of children with special educational needs, dedicated Happy Families sessions take place on selected Monday mornings in holiday periods, when the gallery spaces are closed to the public.
Guided by artist Amy Hutchings, children will be welcomed into a calm environment where they can immerse themselves in a world of art and explore their own creativity.
Audio described tour at RWA – photo: Alice Hendy
Audio-described tours of the exhibitions for blind and partially sighted adults are available, as well as British Sign Language gallery tours led by Chisato Minamimura.
And for older individuals and especially those living with dementia, a monthly Tuesday Teatime Tour of the RWA offers visitors and friends “space for reminiscence and creative conversations”, followed by a communal tea.
Tuesday Teatime Tour at RWA – photo: Alice Hendy
For all upcoming workshops, events, activities and exhibitions at RWA, visit www.rwa.org.uk, follow @rwabristol or contact the learning and participation team. Though public engagement activities are free, many require booking in advance.
Main photo: Martin Edwards (Described Tour at RWA)
Read next:
- RWA hosts staff exhibition ‘Also Artists’
- Inside the 170 Annual Open at RWA
- RWA marks season of photography with concurrent exhibitions
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