The Royal Ulster Academy is an artist led organisation established to educate the public on traditional and contemporary approaches to visual art through its exhibition and education programme. It was originally founded as The Belfast Rambler’s Sketching Club in 1879, became the Ulster Academy of Arts in 1930, and finally the Royal Ulster Academy in 1956.
There are four categories of Academy membership – Academician, Senior Academician, Associate Academician and Honorary Member. Membership is by peer nomination and election at the organisation’s annual general meeting.
The RUA is a charity and raises funds through exhibition entry fees, commission on sales, sponsorship and artistic grants. It is governed by a Council made up of Academy members. The current President is Julian Friers (elected 6 June 2009).
Each year the Academy hosts an Annual Exhibitionshowcasing the work of Academy members, invited and selected artists. Unlike other Academies in Britain and Ireland the RUA does not have a permanent home. The acquisition of suitable premises to include galleries, studios and offices is therefore a priority for the organisation.