In 1986, under the leadership of Sir Anthony Wheeler PPRSA, we began looking at how we could further welcome visitors into the RSA programme. We sought to open our doors more widely and find new ways in which we could showcase all that the RSA has to offer. From this vision, the Friends of the Royal Scottish Academy was born.
RSA Friends' Newsletter, 1986
The group was founded 'to support the charitable work of the Royal Scottish Academy and co-operate with the Academy and other charitable organisations in the promotion of the arts and, in particular, the visual arts and the creation and appreciation of the arts.' Since 1986, almost 10,000 people have been part of the RSA Friends, sharing in a passion for art and supporting the Scottish creative community.
Arthur Watson PPRSA, Friends 30th anniversary celebration dinner. 13 May 2016.
Their support allows the RSA to maintain its independence and continue pursuing its mission. But it goes far beyond the financial, it’s a personal connection. The Friends are not just part of our story; they help shape it. The RSA Friends have stood with us while we navigated challenging times. In 1999 when we vacated our home at The Mound to allow major structural works to be undertaken, the Friends relocated with us to Waterloo Place. And of course, they supported us during the COVID pandemic as we suddenly needed to close our doors whilst installing New Contemporaries.
An evening of poetry and music with a Japanese Flavour, event in support of a book of poems by Alan Spence, illustrated by Elizabeth Blackadder. 22 June 2010.
Elizabeth Blackadder and Alan Spence signing copies of the book. 22 June 2010.
The Friends haven’t just backed our work, they’ve driven it. One of the most enduring examples of this is the RSA Schools Art Award, founded in the same year as the Friends. It’s one of Scotland’s most beloved art competitions for young students, drawing nearly 30,000 submissions since its inception and providing hundreds of budding artists with awards. Each year, the Friends directly fund the RSA Friends Award during New Contemporaries, helping recognise the talent of emerging artists. Past recipients of other Friends-funded awards have gone on to become significant voices in the Scottish art world, such as Kenny Hunter RSA, the recipient of the very first Friends Bursary. Then an up-and-coming sculptor, now a Royal Scottish Academician and a prominent figure at Edinburgh College of Art.
RSA Friends' Newsletter, 1995
From exclusive events and exhibition private views, to visiting artists' studios, and even opportunities for international travel, the Friends have helped shape countless memorable moments over the decades. They’ve enjoyed an extraordinary lineup of speakers including renowned figures like John Byrne and Elizabeth Blackadder. We’ve had the honour of welcoming Patron of the Royal Scottish Academy and the Friends, HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on several occasions, including a special visit during the Friends 25th anniversary celebrations.
Friends private tour of John Byrne RSA's solo exhibition, 15 November 2018
RSA Friends 25th anniversary reception, 26 May 2011. Photo: Peter Bourhill, Edinburgh Life.
This enduring legacy has been built on generosity, enthusiasm, and a shared love of the arts. Looking ahead, 2026 marks a double celebration: the 40th anniversary of the RSA Friends and the 200th anniversary of the Royal Scottish Academy. It promises to be our most ambitious year yet, in which we will celebrate both the Friends and RSA alike.
Friends visit to Cromlix hotel. 29 February 2024.
As part of these celebrations, we’re inviting our Friends to contribute to the RSA Collection and join us for A Blueprint for Belonging. In return for a donation supporting our 2026 programme, this special project invites you to reflect on what belonging means to you, our community of Friends. We’re asking our Friends to create a personal cyanotype artwork, which will be sealed in a time capsule. This collection will remain sealed for 60 years and be unveiled on the Friends’ 100th anniversary. Alongside your reflections, it will feature works by RSA Academicians. Over the coming year, we’ll be sharing the stories behind these submissions. This project will stand as a lasting tribute, cementing the legacy of the Friends as an integral part of the RSA’s story, and we hope you’ll join us in this milestone moment together.
Today, on the 39th anniversary of the RSA Friends, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our Friends, past and present, whose support has shaped the RSA. Let’s make the year ahead our most exciting yet.
