Royal Scottish Academy

Installation view of the 198th Annual Exhibition installation view, photo by Julie Howden.

Run by artists, for artists.

The Royal Scottish Academy supports art and architecture in Scotland. Founded in 1826, we are an independent, non-governmental charitable institution led by our Academicians.

Royal Scottish Academicians are prominent artists and architects elected by their peers who govern the RSA on a democratic basis.

We believe that creativity in art and architecture is valuable to the nation.
Goya Yoga event during the exhibition Reveal, installation view featuring artwork by Alan Grieve.
Supporting creative process

We support artists and architects in their creative process.

To achieve this, we:
- Uphold best practice in contemporary Scottish art and architecture.
- Maintain a collection, archive and library relating to the history of Scottish art and the activities of the Academy. Recognised as a Collection of National Significance by the Scottish Government, we make our collections publicly accessible.
- Encourage and support emerging artists and architects.
- Inform national debates about visual, cultural and educational issues.
- Promote Scotland's creativity internationally.
- Facilitate understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.
Academy Late, 2024, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh © photographer Andy Catlin.

Our Programme

We run our year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and events from our base at the Mound, Edinburgh.

As an independently funded, self-financing charity, the RSA raises income to support art and architecture in Scotland through a wide range of activities including artwork sales, consultancy services, art rental, our RSA Friends group, corporate sponsorship, bequests and donations.

The Royal Scottish Academy is a Registered Scottish Charity: No SC004198.

View our Annual Review