INTRODUCING OUR NEW HERITAGE TRAINEES!As part of the Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary celebra

INTRODUCING OUR NEW HERITAGE TRAINEES!

As part of the Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the RA has taken on three trainees to work throughout different departments during 2017/18. My name is Patrick and I am based within Learning, there is also Wes in Digital and Masa in Collections, I am sure you will hear from them soon.

These first five weeks have been such a whirlwind, meeting so many new wonderful and interesting people and having the opportunity to explore the Royal Academy in ways that I have never done before. As a group of trainees we were given an in-depth introduction program that other members of my team have been extremely jealous of, I have delved deep into the archive and rummaged through the silver collection traditionally donated to the RA by new academicians.

Sometimes the RA can look, – to an outsider, – like a stalwart of the artistic establishment, an inaccessible and intimidating place for certain groups. However, being based within the learning team I have been able to witness first-hand several access groups, which have been developed over years closely with community groups to help gain access to hard to reach audiences. A brilliant example of this is the monthly Art Club, where homeless people come together to make and discuss art. It showed me how these groups are more than just about the art, they help participants to feel valued, accepted and included. It allows them to build the confidence to increase their social activity, which can go on to help people get back on their feet. Hearing stories of past attendees getting jobs as a direct influence of Art Club is inspiring and hopefully something I can continue to be involved in throughout my traineeship.

Throughout the year I hope to keep you all informed of my progress and the activities I will be involved with for the 250th anniversary celebrations. This year is going to go fast and I cannot believe I have already been here for five weeks!!!

Take care all,

Patrick