THE Royal Ulster Academy of Arts 2024 Annual Exhibition is set to be unveiled at the Ulster Museum later this month.
Now in its 143rd year, the RUA exhibition will feature nearly 300 works with pieces from approximately 80 members of the Academy and 200 selected from a public submission.
Spanning mediums including painting, drawing, print, sculpture, audiovisual installations, ceramics and textiles, the exhibition offers a broad and inclusive representation of contemporary art.
This year will also see The Irish News join the exhibition in an exciting new role, offering a £1,000 prize for Best in Show selected from the public submissions. This prize reflects the commitment of The Irish News to fostering local talent and celebrating the best of Northern Ireland’s visual arts.
Comedian and artist Phill Jupitus will be guest adjudicator for an exhibition which will offer a fresh perspective on the creative talent shaping the arts today.
Dan Dowling, president of the RUA, said the exhibition would showcase “the exceptional creativity that thrives here in Northern Ireland and beyond”.
“We’re bringing together an incredible mix of art from both seasoned and emerging artists,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic celebration of creativity and innovation, and I’m thrilled for everyone to experience this visual feast.”
Accountancy firm KPMG will continue as the exhibition’s main sponsor. Their support highlights the importance of collaboration between the business community and the arts, ensuring that this prestigious event can reach and inspire audiences across the region.
Johnny Hanna, partner in charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, said: “KPMG is delighted to once again be the main sponsor of the 143rd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition... promoting the arts and culture and, in doing so, giving back to the communities in which we operate.”
Kathryn Thomson, chief executive of National Museums NI, said the RUA exhibition “consistently shines as a highlight of our autumn and winter schedule, and this year is no exception”.
The exhibition is free to the public - more than 100,000 people visited last year - and all artworks are available for purchase, with prices ranging from £100 to £20,000 and beyond, making this an accessible event for art lovers with varying budgets.
