Drawing Room Competitors

An independent institution, The Royal Academy of Arts exists to promote art and artists – a mission we pursue through exhibitions, education and debate. We have a lot in common with other museums and galleries, and while the diversity of our exhibitions programme sets us apart, a few other factors also make the RA a unique institution. We promote not just the appreciation and understanding of art, but also its practice. We are home to Britain’s first art school, the RA Schools; our three-year postgraduate course is one of the most competitive in the country, and we are proud to offer free tuition to all who study here. We are artist-run. Just as when we were founded in 1768, we are led by many of the greatest artists and architects of the day. Known as Royal Academicians, they are all practising artists who help to steer our vision and support our activities. Lastly, we are an independent charity, and unlike most of our peers we do not receive revenue funding from the government and so we are reliant upon the support of visitors, donors, sponsors, and the loyal Friends of the Royal Academy to continue our work.

National Museums Liverpool is a group of free national museums and art galleries in Merseyside. We have a huge range of significant and diverse collections, including everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic.

Whitechapel Gallery is a ground-breaking arts institution located in the heart of London’s East End – one of the most diverse and creative quarters in the world. Locally embedded and globally connected, the Gallery was founded in 1901 to enrich the cultural offer for the people of East London. Over the years, the Gallery has played host to some of the world’s most significant and visionary artists, showcasing art from across the globe, including China, Brazil and the Islamic world. We are equally committed to supporting local artists and communities, many of whom come from, or reflect, the many migrants that have made Whitechapel and its surrounding areas their home. We aim to make contemporary art accessible and exciting to the widest possible audiences through a bold, radical and distinctive programme that puts artists and ideas at the heart of everything we do. We are particularly committed to showing under-represented, under-served artists, especially women and people of colour, and to present provocative artworks that expand thinking around the key socio-political concerns of our time.