Press Release
October 2008
RSA announces significant changes to the annual Student Exhibition, marking their commitment to emerging artists in Scotland.
The RSA is currently developing the former RSA Student Exhibition towards presenting a large-scale curated exhibition of the cream of emerging artists in Scotland. The inaugural RSA New Contemporaries exhibition will take place from 14-25 February 2009, and encompass all 12 of the magnificent RSA galleries. Instead of exhibiting solo works in isolation, artists will have the opportunity to showcase a selection of new work; including painting, sculpture, film making, photography, printmaking, architecture and installation.
Artists have been selected from the 2008 Degree shows by members of the RSA (lead by Prof. Will Maclean RSA) and representatives of the Colleges and have until February 2009 to make a body of new works. Some artists have had work selected from the Degree show for presentation at RSA New Contemporaries but can continue developing this work if they feel this necessary – these artists have been informed of specific works at the earliest date. Many selected artists have gone on to do post-graduate study.
The RSA team is working closely with the artists towards developing a lasting relationship in the lead up to the February exhibition and hopefully beyond. They will handle administration and organisation as well as press activity, the private view and selling opportunities.
Colin Greenslade, RSA Programme Director, comments: “We envisaged that the development of this exhibition will be one of the most important initiatives for emerging artists in Scotland each year, enabling a ‘first exhibition’ opportunity for some 60+ emergent artists annually. The exhibition will be an unique opportunity to see the best of Scotland’s emerging talent under one roof.”
This development will enable the RSA to
• Develop a relationship with the artist over a longer period with a view to encouraging life-long involvement.
• Develop crucial links with the institutions towards more integrated and fruitful working relationship/opportunities.
• Involve an integrated programme of activities i.e. art schools bring undergrads to the show to view opportunity. Link with Kinross/ Hope Scott Trust/Barns Graham/Stevenston awards.
• Award prizes for development of works at the Annual Exhibition in the following year – further relationship building and integrated opportunities over two or three years.
• Invite a prominent artist or curator to assist with selection of RSA prizes – and to award them to the artists at a celebrated ceremony.
• Develop strategic relationships between external prize-givers and emerging artists with a developing track record of quality and excellence.
• Develop a complimentary sponsorship package.
• Develop a comprehensive publication which, after a number of years, would double as a who’s who of young emerging talent – linking the student with the RSA indefinitely.
• Develop a strategic nationally relevant publicity campaign to launch and promote new artists from Scotland.
ENDS
Listings details:
RSA New Contemporaries
14 to 25 February 2009. Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12noon – 5pm.
RSA Upper & Lower Galleries, The Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL.
Admission £2 / £1 conc
A selection of the finest emerging artists and architects in Scotland curated by Will Maclean, Sandy Moffat and Colin Greenslade. The artists will be selected from the 2008 undergraduate degree shows and invited to make new works for this exhibition. In collaboration with the five Scottish art schools and six schools of architecture in Scotland.
Notes to editors
1) The exhibition will be accompanied by a full colour publication.
2) There will be a series of talks and events to accompany this exhibition. Details TBC.
3) Many works will be available for purchase. The RSA is part of the Own Art scheme, offering interest-free credit for people to buy contemporary art and craft. For further details visit www.scottisharts.org.uk
4) Aims of the Royal Scottish Academy:
- To uphold the best practice in contemporary Scottish Art and Architecture.
- To maintain a Collection, Archive and Library relevant to the history and activities of the Academy and to make these accessible to the public.
- To encourage and support emerging Artists and Architects
- To inform national debates on a range of visual, cultural and educational issues.
For further information or images please contact:
Kirsty Dickson, Press Assistant, 0131 225 6671 or press@royalscottishacademy.org
