Royal West of England Academy

Upcoming events at Royal West of England Academy

Arts & CultureTalks & Lectures

British Sign Language Gallery Tour

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 0.00 Saturday 6 June 2026, 1.30pm - 3.00pm Led by Emily Rose, from a Deaf perspective, this exhibition tour will be delivered in British Sign Language (BSL). The tour will explore Dance Out. Emily will bring the exhibition to life by selecting and exploring a variety of artworks. Her insights will guide you to see the exhibition in fresh and inspiring ways. Emily is a BSL tour guide, BSL consultant, creative workshop facilitator, and festival/event accessibility consultant. She is also a Deaf visual artist, exploring the vibrant world of mixed media Op Art. Previously, she led a family BSL workshop at the RWA. These sessions are free, but booking is advised.

Sat 6 Jun14:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Children & Family

Baby Tour

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 11.00 Thursday 11 June 2026 | 11am - 12.30pm | Adult ticket £11 (Standard adult main exhibition ticket) Baby ticket Free Baby Tours are relaxed, informal sessions held in a safe and comfortable space for parents and caregivers with babies aged 12 months and under. Little ones are free to explore the gallery without any pressure or worries about noise, while baby toys are available for them to enjoy. During this tour, you’ll have the chance to experience our new exhibition, Dance Out at the RWA. We’ll guide you through a selection of featured artworks, offering insight and conversation along the way. Refund and Cancellation Policy: We can offer full refunds, provided you notify us more than 14 days before the start of your tour with us. Cancellations made within 14 days of the tour date cannot be refunded. However, we understand that little ones can have unexpected moments, and you may be unable to attend on the day. In this case, you’re welcome to use your email booking towards entry to our exhibitions within six months, please just notify us within one week of the tour date. If we need to cancel a tour for any reason, we will provide a full refund. Any questions and cancellations, please email: Image credit: Ruby Turner

Thu 11 Jun13:30The Royal West of England Academy

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Community

This Is Jungle - Listening Lab

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 0.00 - 5.00 (4 variants) Saturday, 30 May and 13 June 2026 I 5.30pm -7.30pm 30 May and 13 June session: Sold Out Hosts: Krust & FlynnitesPanelists: DJ Dazee and Dr MeakerWe are bringing something fresh to a new generation. Our Listening Lab Session is a deep dive into the record boxes and vinyl history of two of Bristol’s most influential DJ/producers. Join us as we explore their journeys, from classic tracks to exclusive dubplates.Moderated by: Bristol pioneers and DJ/producers, Krust & Flynnites.

Sat 13 Jun18:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

DanceWorkshops & Classes

Indian Folk Dance for Women Workshop

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 0.00 Wednesday 17 June 2026, 10.30am-11.30am FREE workshop with an exhibition ticket required* This Indian folk dance workshop facilitated by Sayambrita Mukherjee is an open invitation for women: refugee women and all women welcome to come together and explore movement, rhythm, and emotional expression in their own unique way. Folk dance is different from classical dance styles that is performed to celebrate harvest, festivals and significant occasions and is driven by community. No prior dance experience is needed,only a willingness to feel, move, and embrace the joy of self-expression through dance. Sayambrita is a multi disciplinary community artist from the Indian diaspora and has run several creative workshops based on visual art, within the community based on wellbeing. A member of BRAC and Diverse Artists Network and performed at the Diaspora Festival and the Intercultural Festival in 2024 at Sparks. *This workshop is free with an exhibition ticket. Please book a space on this page so we know you can attend, and make sure to buy an exhibition ticket on the day. Information on our ticket pricing can be found here.

Wed 17 Jun11:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Children & Family

Around £11

Baby Tour

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 11.00 Thursday 18 June 2026 | 11am - 12.30pm Adult ticket £11 (Standard adult main exhibition ticket) Baby ticket Free Baby Tours are relaxed, informal sessions held in a safe and comfortable space for parents and caregivers with babies aged 12 months and under. Little ones are free to explore the gallery without any pressure or worries about noise, while baby toys are available for them to enjoy. During this tour, you’ll have the chance to experience our new exhibition, Dance Out at the RWA. We’ll guide you through a selection of featured artworks, offering insight and conversation along the way. Refund and Cancellation Policy: We can offer full refunds, provided you notify us more than 14 days before the start of your tour with us. Cancellations made within 14 days of the tour date cannot be refunded. However, we understand that little ones can have unexpected moments, and you may be unable to attend on the day. In this case, you’re welcome to use your email booking towards entry to our exhibitions within six months, please just notify us within one week of the tour date. If we need to cancel a tour for any reason, we will provide a full refund. Any questions and cancellations, please email: Image credit: Ruby Turner

Thu 18 Jun13:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Workshops & Classes

Latin Gems Workshop

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 0.00 Saturday 20 June 2026, 10.30am-12pm FREE workshop with an exhibition ticket required* Latin Gems are a multicultural, all female group based in Bristol. They are passionate about Latin dances and dedicated to bringing authentic female energy to salsa.Join the Latin Gems for for a dance demonstration of their latest choreography called Llámame, and an opportunity to learn some Latin dance moves. Introductory level, no partner required. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latin_gems/ *This workshop is free with an exhibition ticket. Please book a space on this page so we know you can attend, and make sure to buy an exhibition ticket on the day. Information on our ticket pricing can be found here.

Sat 20 Jun11:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Community

Described Gallery Tour for Blind and Partially Sighted Adults

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 0.00 Saturday 11 July 2026 | 10.30am - 12pm | Free Join us for a described tour of the Dance Out. This tour is led by our experienced facilitator, Sarah Kelly, and will focus on a selection of artworks in the exhibition. The tour will conclude with refreshments and time for group discussion in the Youngwood Room. You are welcome to bring a companion and/or guide dog. These sessions are free. To reserve a place please email An introduction to the RWA is available in large print, with a clip-light. To learn more about accessibility at the RWA visit our Access Page here: https://www.rwa.org.uk/pages/access

Sat 11 Jul11:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Arts & Culture

British Sign Language Gallery Tour

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 0.00 Saturday 11 July 2026, 1.30pm - 3.00pm Led by Emily Rose, from a Deaf perspective, this exhibition tour will be delivered in British Sign Language (BSL). The tour will explore Dance Out. Emily will bring the exhibition to life by selecting and exploring a variety of artworks. Her insights will guide you to see the exhibition in fresh and inspiring ways. Emily is a BSL tour guide, BSL consultant, creative workshop facilitator, and festival/event accessibility consultant. She is also a Deaf visual artist, exploring the vibrant world of mixed media Op Art. Previously, she led a family BSL workshop at the RWA. These sessions are free, but booking is advised.

Sat 11 Jul14:30The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Community

Arvon Poetry and Creative Writing Day with Vanessa Kisuule

Vendor: 4024 - Drawing School + Arvon Type: Events Price: 125.00 Tutor - Vanessa Kisuule 1-day workshop Friday 17 July 2026, 10am - 4pm Following a number of successful 'Writing Day' collaborations with national creative writing charity Arvon, the RWA is thrilled to once again be partnering with them, using the RWA's lead exhibitions as a stimulus for different forms of writing. The next workshop, focused on poetry and creative writing, is led by writer and performer Vanessa Kisuule. Martha Graham called dance the ‘hidden language of the soul’. In this welcoming and energising Writing Day for writers of all levels, Vanessa Kisuule will invite participants to explore the relationship between language and the body, taking inspiration from the artworks on display in the RWA's Dance Out exhibition to create written pieces of their own that reflect a sense of movement, connection and joy. The event will include free exhibition entry throughout the day, a guided tour of the exhibition, and a delicious lunch provided by Spicer + Cole. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in poetry and creative writing. Participants will need to bring a notebook and a pencil. BIOG Vanessa Kisuule is a writer and performer who has toured nationally and internationally. She has worked with the BBC, British Library, Tate, Royal Academy of Arts, Bristol Old Vic and Glastonbury Festival.

Fri 17 Jul11:00The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Arts & Culture

Arvon Poetry and Creative Prose Writing Day with Vanessa Kisuule

Vendor: 4024 - Drawing School + Arvon Type: Events Price: 125.00 Tutor - Vanessa Kisuule 1-day workshop Friday 17 July 2026, 10am - 4pm Following a number of successful 'Writing Day' collaborations with national creative writing charity Arvon, the RWA is thrilled to once again be partnering with them, using the RWA's lead exhibitions as a stimulus for different forms of writing. The next workshop, focused on poetry and creative writing, is led by writer and performer Vanessa Kisuule. Martha Graham called dance the ‘hidden language of the soul’. In this welcoming and energising Writing Day for writers of all levels, Vanessa Kisuule will invite participants to explore the relationship between language and the body, taking inspiration from the artworks on display in the RWA's Dance Out exhibition to create written pieces of their own that reflect a sense of movement, connection and joy. The event will include free exhibition entry throughout the day, a guided tour of the exhibition, and a delicious lunch provided by Spicer + Cole. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in poetry and creative writing. Participants will need to bring a notebook and a pencil. BIOG Vanessa Kisuule is a writer and performer who has toured nationally and internationally. She has worked with the BBC, British Library, Tate, Royal Academy of Arts, Bristol Old Vic and Glastonbury Festival.

Fri 17 Jul11:00The Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Community

Artists Portfolio Advice Sessions

Vendor: RWA Bristol Type: Events Price: 15.00 Artist Portfolio Advice Sessions with RWA Academicians Friday 24 July 2026 Are you an artist who is looking for external feedback and advice on your current portfolio? Do you have a specific project, query, or aim that you would like to discuss with a professional working artist? The RWA is offering the opportunity to meet with a group of RWA Academicians. Over the course of an hour, you will have a 20-minute advice session with each of the following Academicians - Hamish Young PRWA, Ione Parkin RWA and Sian Bonnell RWA. Please review the below information carefully before booking How does it work? You will be situated in the Youngwood Room at the RWA with two other participants, and will move between three Academicians for 20 minutes at a time, allowing you to gain unique insight and expert advice from three experienced practitioners. What can you expect in our portfolio review sessions? A general introduction and agreement of aims for the meeting An opportunity to present your portfolio, project or query and discuss this. Feedback to support you developing the work discussed. An opportunity to discuss the feedback. A verbal summary of key points and suggested actions.

Fri 24 JulThe Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

Community

Summer Art Skills 7-11s

Vendor: 4026 - Learning & Participation Type: Events Price: 30.00 - 120.00 (6 variants) 4-day Summer Art Skills suitable for children ages 7 - 11.Dates: 23, 24, 28 & 29 July 2026Time: 9.30am–12.30pm Join us at the RWA Gallery for four inspiring half-day creative workshops for children, led by talented and experienced artists. Each session gives young participants the chance to explore new techniques, discover different art styles, and experiment with exciting materials. Children will also spend time in our exhibition spaces, with activities inspired by the energy of summer and our current exhibition, Dance Out. Pricing Early Bird Full Package (Book before 31 May, limited places): £108 General Full Package (All 4 half-day workshops): £120 Single Workshop Booking: £30 per half-day session Workshop Programme Thursday 23 July 2026, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Whirling Twirlers with Nik RamageWe will each make lots of Whirling Twirlers, card figures with moving arms and legs, supported on batons. Each should have their best dancing shoes on and be dressed to impress. They will be animated by twisting them between your fingers. The faster you twist, the crazier the dance becomes! Friday 24 July 2026, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Inspired by Degas: Dancing in Mixed Media with Catherine KnightInspired by Edgar Degas’ dancers, we will explore creating a base layer in acrylic and then layering more detail on top with oil pastels to create a mixed-media artwork.

Wed 29 JulThe Royal West of England Academy

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Community

Call for Artists: 173 Annual Open Exhibition

Vendor: Art Exhibitions Type: Events Price: 0.00 Taking place between 12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027, our Annual Exhibition features both emerging talent and established names, spanning painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, architecture, sculpture, and mixed-media installation - It represents some of the most exciting artists working across the UK and beyond today. Submissions for the 173 Annual Open are between Tuesday 7 April and Monday 22 June 2026. Further details, including FAQ's can be found at the bottom of this page. Click here to submit your work to the 173rd Annual Open Selection of works Selection is overseen by a panel of guest experts alongside RWA Academicians. This year, we are delighted to welcome: Sheryll Catto: As Artistic Director and CEO of ActionSpace, Sheryll has spent years dismantling the margins around learning-disabled artists Ceri Hand: is a creative coach, mentor, public speaker and business founder supporting thousands of creatives each year. Paul Hedge: Co-founder of Hales Gallery (London/New York), bringing over 30 years of international art world expertise. Representing the Academy are Hamish Young PRWA (President), Angela Lizon VPRWA (Vice President), and Academicians Katie Davies RWA and Sarah Gillespie RWA. Find out more about the selectors here. 173 Annual Open Prizes Thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters we offer a range of prizes for exhibiting artists in the Annual Open, this year prizes so far include the...

Tue 26 JanThe Royal West of England Academy

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Community

173 Annual Open Exhibition

Vendor: Art Exhibitions Type: Events Price: 0.00 - 11.00 (2 variants) Taking place between 12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027, our Annual Exhibition showcases over 500 contemporary works within our historic galleries. Featuring both emerging talent and established names, spanning painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, architecture, sculpture, and mixed-media installation - It represents some of the most exciting artists working across the UK and beyond today. With a strong emphasis on supporting artists through sales, the exhibition attracts over 10,000 visitors annually. Last year alone, the show generated over £150,000 in sales of original works and prints. The exhibition also features programme of artist talks, guided tours, and preview events. 173 Open Call We will begin accepting submissions for the Annual Open Exhibition on Tuesday 7 April 2026. Artists can submit up to three works in various media, and the exhibition will run from 12 September 2026 - 3 January 2027. Click here for more information and how to submit your work 173 Annual Open Invited artist In addition to selected works, each year the RWA invites a contemporary artist to showcase their practice in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the arts. Mohammad Barrangi will present work as this year’s Invited Artist, following in the footsteps of previous invited artists such as Sir Frank Bowling OBE RA RWA (Hon), Charmaine Watkiss RWA, Maria Lalić RWA (Hon) and Rebecca Salter PRA RWA...

Tue 26 JanThe Royal West of England Academy

via The Royal West of England Academy

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