On 30 May 2012 the Royal Academy of Arts will host its annual Summer Exhibition Preview Party. Internationally renowned for being the most celebrated and glamorous night of the art calendar, the event is a star-studded affair attended by the glitterati of the art world in addition to musicians, models, actors and cultural leaders. The event marks the official opening of the Summer Exhibition and offers collectors the opportunity to preview the variety of artworks by both renowned and undiscovered artists, all available to purchase before the official Buyers Day.
This year’s gala event will be co-chaired by contemporary and iconic artist Tracey Emin RA and GQ editor Dylan Jones, with support from a committee of cultural luminaries including: Alan Yentob, Alasdhair Willis, Lady Amanda Harlech, Amanda Wakeley, Anish Kapoor RA, Anya Hindmarch, Aoife Lambilliotte, Christopher Bailey, Conrad Shawcross, Sir David Tang, Ed Victor, Edward Vaizey, Fergus Henderson, Grayson Perry RA, Harold Tillman, Jerry Hall, Jonathan Yeo, Lucy Yeomans, Mat Collishaw, Michael Landy RA, Nick Candy, Nick Jones, Polly Morgan, Ron Arad, Sophie Dahl, Sue Webster, Tim Noble, Tom Dixon, Tyrone Wood, Valeria Napoleone and Yasmin Le Bon.
The Summer Exhibition Preview Party is the Royal Academy’s most significant fundraising event of the year, with all proceeds raised from the sale of tickets and artworks providing income for the Academy’s entirely self-funded and much celebrated Exhibitions and Schools programme. Guests to the Party are directly supporting this much-loved national treasure.
The Summer Exhibition Preview Party celebrates the legendary Summer Exhibition, which has run every year since the Royal Academy’s foundation in 1768, even during times of war. Now in its 244th year, the Summer Exhibition is the largest open submission contemporary art exhibition in the world, drawing together new work by both established and emerging living artists in all media including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture and film. Selected and curated by artists, this year’s Exhibition is coordinated by Tess Jaray RA who has curated Gallery III, the grandest space in Burlington House. Chris Wilkinson RA has designed the sculpture From Landscape to Portrait for the courtyard which will twist a series of eleven wooden frames through ninety degrees, incorporating innovative seating for visitors. Inside the Main Galleries, paying homage to Matisse’s The Red Studio, the Wohl Central Hall will show a vibrant display of colourful works.
SPONSOR’S STATEMENT Insight Investment is proud to continue its association with the Royal Academy of Arts through our sponsorship of the Summer Exhibition. In this, our seventh sponsorship year, we hope that all visitors to the show will share our continuing passion for the Summer Exhibition and find inspiration in the talent and creativity on display.
TICKETS Tickets are available by contacting the Royal Academy Events Office on 020 7300 5792 or fundraising.events@royalacademy.org.uk . Tickets to the Summer Exhibition Preview Party cost £235; Donor Tickets £300, Individual VIP Lounge Tickets £525 and VIP Lounge Packages are £3000.
