Founded in 1768 by King George III, the Royal Academy of Arts has been a distinguished epicenter for artistic and architectural finesse and innovation. This year marks the institution’s 256th Summer Exhibition, the world’s oldest open submission show. This summer, the Italian design manufacturer UniFor joined the Royal Academy of Arts’ architectural programming, merging its passion for architecture and design with the British institution’s historical celebration.
An Annual Exhibition to Celebrate Global Talent
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024, photo courtesy of Royal Academy of Arts.
On view from June 18–August 18, the 2024 Summer Exhibition is a display of creative projects for visitors to explore whether to admire or buy. This year, 1,710 works fill the historic galleries under the theme “Making Space,” reaping hundreds of interpretations and innovations.
With its combination of household names and blossoming artists, the Summer Exhibition is a moment for art lovers to merge together under one roof. With its dedication to cultural conversation, the centuries-old show is “open to all artists of distinguished merit” and waives recognition of background or experience. Each gallery space is an assortment of new and old talent, all together coordinated by British sculptor Ann Christopher, forging a dynamic panorama of today’s contemporary art world.
Included in the academy’s summer programming are its various distinguished prizes, awarded to eminent works in the Summer Exhibition. From focused oil painting and sculpture awards to designated student recognition, the Summer Exhibition honors specific categories within its overarching exhibition.
The Royal Academy of Arts’ Architecture Program
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024, photo courtesy of Royal Academy of Arts.
Architecture takes center stage at this year’s Summer Exhibition. The Royal Academy of Arts presents its Architecture Rooms, curated by Assemble RA, a multidisciplinary collective at the Royal Academy of Arts that operates at the intersection of architecture, design, and art. The rooms occupy two of the institutions’ chief galleries, including the central octagon and adjacent gallery VI. The exhibition’s architectural programming also featured the Summer Exhibition Architecture Afternoon, a celebration that featured conversations with displayed artists and architects.
UniFor Supports Architecture with the Architecture Award
Structure Workshop, “787 – DIPLODOCUS CARNEGII FOR THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Architecture wall-based, Inkjet print on aluminum board (with post-tensioned model in plywood and steel), 60 x 2400 cm, courtesy Structure Workshop and the Royal Academy of Arts.
This year, UniFor is a proud supporter of The Summer Exhibition Architecture Award, recognizing extraordinary contributions to the field of architecture. UniFor CEO Carlo Molteni lent his expertise to the exhibition’s international jury, which featured architecture and design luminaries including Vicky Richardson, Maria Lisogroskaya, and Julian Robinson.
A celebration of innovation and creativity, the 2024 Architecture Award was presented to the engineering company Structure Workshop for its 2024 project DIPLODOCUS CARNEGII FOR THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM. The project, featuring a sculptural analysis of a looming 21 meters-tall bronze Doplodocus Carnegii dinosaur that now hangs in London’s Natural History Museum, stands as a leading example of outstanding architectural finesse, dedication, and innovation.
A Time for Architecture Education
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024, photo courtesy of Royal Academy of Arts.
In addition to its award programming for exhibition participants, UniFor is a proud supporter of “Introducing Architecture: free talk for 16-25-year-olds.” Hosted on July 17, the event featured acclaimed New York-based architect and Harvard professor Toshiko Mori for a discussion of the fusion between architecture, the environment, and innovation. The talk highlighted architecture as a creative discipline akin to art or music, inviting younger groups to adopt a fresh perspective on the cities and structures around them.
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024, photo courtesy of Royal Academy of Arts.
With its programming in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts, UniFor accentuates its dedication to the patronage in the architecture world. By fostering interaction and dialogue, this year’s Summer Exhibition seeks to inspire both artists and audiences, encouraging a deeper understanding of contemporary art and architectural practices. Through workshops, talks, and community events, the Royal Academy of Arts fosters an inclusive space where creatives can explore and connect with the visual arts, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape and enhancing public engagement with art.
