Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition

My charcoal and chalk drawing ‘The Music Composer’ has been accepted to the RSA’s 195th Annual Art Exhibition which is held entirely online from 2nd April to 30th May, 2021 due to the pandemic.

The Annual Exhibition is the core of the RSA’s exhibition programme, and represents the Academy’s commitment to promoting excellence in visual art in Scotland. In light of the current extraordinary circumstances, the RSA team has been working hard to ensure that the exhibition goes ahead in an entirely digital format. The RSA Annual Exhibition is the most extensive exhibition of contemporary art and architecture in Scotland. Having been a mainstay of the academy’s calendar since its inception 195 years ago, the Annual Exhibition has evolved over the years, providing a platform for Scottish art alongside international artists, often including topical or political elements, to give an uncensored, independent voice to artists.

President’s Welcome

Dr Joyce W. Cairns PRSA
It has been an enormously difficult year for us all but the RSA has kept going with the exhibition programme online, and when permitted, open for actual visits. Many interesting and informative events continue to take place on our social media channels and website. We had hoped against all hope that in 2021 a physical exhibition could be held again in the magnificent surroundings of the RSA galleries. Sadly, at the end of January, we had to take the difficult decision that due to the continuing restrictions, uncertainties and the safety of all involved, we had no choice but to yet again hold the exhibition online.

Unlike last year with the sudden March lockdown, the dedicated and creative RSA team have had longer to plan this eventuality and though we are all suffering from screen exhaustion everyone is now much more adept in how to make exhibition, talks and events an even more rewarding experience.

Nothing can replace the pleasure of walking into a gallery and enjoying the juxtaposition, scale and texture of actual art. However, in the comfort of your own home you can at least examine the exhibits in much more detail.