LONDON.- To demonstrate the Royal Academy of Arts’ ongoing support of art education for young people, the RA is launching a new initiative in 2019 entitled the Young Artists’ Summer Show, supported by philanthropist Robin Hambro. The project, which will be open to all UK primary and secondary students aged 7-19 (key stages 2-5), will comprise an online and on-site exhibition, providing a unique opportunity for students to showcase their work. The project will coincide with the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition and the 250th anniversary of the RA Schools in 2019.

Students will be able to enter their artworks via digital submissions in any media including painting, drawing, print, photography, sculpture and video. These works will then be judged by key stage and the final selection of works will be available to view in an online exhibition through the RA website from 10 June to 31 December 2019.

The judging panel for primary school artworks will be Andria Zafirakou, Arts and Textiles teacher at Alperton Community School and 2018 Global Teacher Prize Winner, Royal Academicians Jane and Louise Wilson and Artistic Director of the Royal Academy, Tim Marlow. The judging panel for secondary school artworks will be Royal Academician Bob and Roberta Smith, Curator and Head of the Royal Academy Schools, Eliza Bonham Carter and a current student of the Royal Academy Schools.

A selection of works from the online exhibition will be displayed in the Royal Academy’s new Clore Learning Centre from 13 July to 4 August 2019. Christopher Le Brun, President of the Royal Academy, will award prizes for two inspiring artworks from each key stage and the winning students will also receive a free practical workshop for their school. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to vote for their favourite artwork and the winner will receive the same prizes.

Since the Royal Academy’s foundation in 1768, arts education has been at its heart. The Young Artists' Summer Show will enable the Royal Academy to support art teachers and students, raising their visibility within the school community and beyond and to recognise and acknowledge the importance of a strong art programme in primary and secondary schools.

Robin Hambro said, “I am delighted that the Royal Academy is to introduce the Young Artists’ Summer Show and am proud to support this endeavour. I have always believed that art is a vitally important part of young people’s education and this will encourage them to be proud in their efforts.”

Andria Zafirakou said, “I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am and what a privilege it is for me to be part of the judging committee for the Young Artists’ Summer Show. I am looking forward to being blown away by the extraordinary young talent that we have in our world today. I am hoping to see unique ideas and really creative use of materials being developed through the submissions and I'm looking forward to seeing what stories and themes our young artists will want to share with us."

Bob and Roberta Smith RA said, “I am really looking forward to seeing the inventive and imaginative images of the young people who submit their work.”