BECOME A FRIEND OF THE ACADEMY! Support the Academy, and enjoy Invitations to private views/one free catalogue per year/discounts or free access to artist-led talks and workshops/e-newsletter/advance notice of events. Click here to find out more.

APPLICATION FOR ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP Guidelines for applying for Academy Membership (click here). Guidelines for applying for Associate Membership (click here).

The South West Academy is a registered charity dedicated to advancing the creation and appreciation of art in the South West of Britain. Its core membership, the academicians, are outstanding practitioners of fine and applied arts with varied practices, backgrounds and styles. 

The Academy works to contribute to the cultural life of our region through an annual calendar of exhibitions and events. Each year the Academy holds two large-scale exhibitions: early in the year, the Academicians Exhibition showcases the work of its members. This is followed by the annual Open Exhibition, a juried show which invites entries from anyone in the region.

The Open Exhibition features the Young Artists Award, part of the Academy's ongoing programme of work with schools and young people.

The Annual Drecki Lecture is a presentation given by outstanding artists and others in the field of the arts, and has even taken the form of a dramatic presentation.

The work of the Academy is made possible by the the generous support from a range of sponsors. Practical, financial and artistic support comes from the Friends of the Academy, whose efforts have underpinned the organisation from its beginnings.

If you're interested in becoming a Friend of the Academy, you can find out more here. If you are interested in volunteering for an event please get in touch via the Contact page.

You can find out more about the history and mission of the Academy on the Academy Page - and browse recent events on our news page.

The South West Academy's new publication, Art, People, Place is a lavishly illustrated book full featuring high-quality reproductions of the work of our academicians, and gives a fascinating insight into their private worlds and the history of the Academy. It can be found in selected book shops and also via this website. Click here to find out more.