Patrons of the Royal Academy
It was the support of a patron, George III, which enabled a small group of artists and architects to found the Royal Academy in 1768. While much has changed, we still rely on our Patrons and as a unique, artist-led organisation we offer them unrivalled opportunities to engage with art and artists.
Patrons play a vital role in allowing us to function as an independent charitable organisation. Your generosity will, among other things, support our world-class exhibition programme, maintain our historic Library and Collection, and help provide free tuition for students at the RA Schools.
The Royal Academy Patrons programme is centred on our exhibitions but covers all aspects of our work, from engaging with Royal Academicians and Schools students to understanding more about our heritage and Collection. As a Patron, you'll be able to:
Enjoy exclusive access to every exhibition
The RA’s exhibition programme is one of the most exciting in London and exclusive access to every show is one of the primary benefits of being a Patron. You will be invited to view every exhibition with the curator, before it opens to the public.
Meet some of Britain’s greatest living artists and architects
The Royal Academicians who govern the Academy are among the greatest names in contemporary British art. They are at the heart of Academy life, teaching in the RA Schools, giving public lectures and talks, exhibiting works in the Summer Exhibition, attending and hosting events. As a Patron, you'll be invited to studio visits with Academicians, special events and artist talks that will give you greater insight into their individual practices.
Meet the artists of tomorrow
At events and studio visits throughout the year, you’ll be invited to meet students at the Royal Academy Schools. As a Patron, we give you the first opportunity to hear from the artists and to buy work from their two annual exhibitions, Premiums and the RA Schools Show. Importantly, funds from Patrons and other supporter groups of the RA meet the cost of tuition fees for all.
Explore the treasures of the RA Library and Collections
Each season the Library, Collection and Archive is opened up to Patrons, and you are invited to explore its treasures with Academicians, artists and writers.
Receive priority booking for events
RA curators and experts from a wide variety of disciplines host lectures, salons, symposia and conversations. Over 100 trips to places of artistic, cultural and historical interest are run every year. As a Patron, you'll be the first the hear about these activities and enjoy priority booking.
Become a Patron
RA Patron membership starts at £2,000 for Silver membership. Young Patron membership starts at £1,500.
Full details of the different Patronage levels are listed below. Once you have decided which level of Patronage suits you, you simply need to complete a joining form.
If you have any queries, or would like to join over the phone, please contact the Patrons Office on 020 7300 5885 or email patrons@royalacademy.org.uk.
Which level of Patronage is right for me?
£2,000+ (benefit £700, suggested donation £1,300+)
As a Patron we invite you to explore all areas of the RA. You'll be the first to see RA exhibitions with the curator.
There are opening parties, artist and curator-led dinners, family workshops, and behind the scenes tours in the Library, Archive and RA Schools.
You’ll be first to buy tickets to fundraising and art-buying events, and have priority booking for our public programme.
We’ll keep you up to date with the RA Magazine and Patrons e-news.
£5,000+ (benefit £1,200, suggested donation £3,800+)
Gold Patrons enjoy all the benefits that Silver Patrons receive, plus access to all opening receptions.
You can also visit one Main Galleries exhibition a year in complete privacy, with a small group of guests (based on availability).
Every year, Gold Patrons are invited to an exclusive event to celebrate the Summer Exhibition with the President of the Royal Academy.
Away from the RA, we run regular exhibition previews, and visits to artists’ studios and private collections. Explore art worldwide with our show-stopping international tours.
There is a series of private lunches and dinners throughout the year with Royal Academicians, as well as other premium events only open to Gold and Platinum Patrons.
£10,000+ (benefit £1,400, suggested donation £8,600+)
Platinum Patrons enjoy all the benefits that Silver and Gold Patrons receive, including invitations to premium events, all opening receptions, and private visits to Main Galleries exhibitions.
Burlington House, Burlington Gardens and the Keeper’s House are also available to you to hire, including the exhibition spaces, even during blockbuster exhibitions. Ask us for additional costs involved.
£1,500+ (benefit £700, suggested donation £800)
The Young Patrons group is for budding philanthropists who want to engage with art and artists in a sociable atmosphere, at their own pace, while helping to shape the future of the RA.
In addition to the benefits of Silver Patron membership, you'll also be invited to exclusively curated Young Patrons events each season.
£12,000+ (benefit £1,550, suggested donation £10,450+)
International Patrons enter into a partnership with the RA by directly supporting an aspect of our Artistic Programme each year, in consultation with senior curatorial staff, the Artistic Director and the President.
A global programme of artist studio dinners and private collection visits is complemented by bespoke access to a network of museums and galleries, both in London and overseas, arranged on request.
International Patrons also have the opportunity to visit every major RA exhibition with a small group of guests, in complete privacy.
£2,000+ (benefit £0, donation £2,000+)
If you do not want to receive benefits or attend events, but would still like to make a contribution to the RA as a Patron, you can become a Patron Donor.
The entire amount you give will go towards supporting the creating, exhibiting and debating of art at the RA.
We’ll keep you up to date with all the goings on at the Academy with our quarterly RA Magazine and you're welcome to visit us at any time.
We receive no revenue support from the government. Your support will help us to maintain our independence, conserve the nation’s artistic heritage and nurture the next generation of talent at the Royal Academy Schools.
Please note: The benefits package of each level of patronage can be purchased separately without making a suggested donation to the RA.
