Six of the Best

Summer is coming

This summer is an exhibition bonanza here at the RA. Kicking off the season the Summer Exhibition returns for its 246th outing, packed full of all that is new in the art world from emerging and leading artists. Then we take a trip to the southern hemisphere with Radical Geometry: Modern Art of South America, a colourful show of boundary-breaking work spanning 50 years. Over in Burlington Gardens, you can discover the photography of Hollywood legend Dennis Hopper while in the RA Schools, we fling open the doors of our studios to share the work of third year students, destined to be the next generation of great British artists. Book your summer of culture now

Summer art competition

To coincide with the Summer Exhibition we are collaborating with BBC’s The One Show Summer Art Competition 2014. This nationwide art competition will see the work of 24 finalists exhibited here from 16 June – 9 August in the Reynolds Room. The One Show is broadcast on weeknights at 7pm on BBC One, and the juding panel includes Summer Exhibition curator Edith Devaney, Royal Academician Michael Landy and Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw. In mid-July the winner will be announced live on The One Show so make sure you come along and pick your favourite before then! For more information please go to bbc.co.uk/theoneshow

Become a Friend of Grayson Perry RA

There’s never been a better time to become one of our Friends. If you join now you’ll receive your very own Grayson Perry artwork! In his inimitable style, Grayson Perry has written his own art manifesto full of his views on art, for example "nothing in art is new or old fashioned, only good or bad" – do you agree? The full manifesto has been used to create a one-off napkin which you will receive when you become a Friend of the RA. All of our Friends see every exhibition for free and have exclusive access to our new restaurant, bar and garden plus a whole range of other benefits. What are you waiting for? #FriendofGraysonPerry

Special books offer

Our publications range from children’s books, artists monographs, exhibition catalogues, architecture books to histories. For one week only, you can buy any of our books using promotional code BOOKS10 and get 10% off the cost when you shop online. If you visited our Hockney blockbuster a couple of years ago why not enjoy leafing through David Hockney: A Yorkshire Sketchbook? Or if you’re planning on visiting the Tate’s Matisse exhibition, check out Matisse: The Chapel at Vence. There are dozens of titles to choose from so have a browse now and find a bargain to snap up before the offer ends! Terms and conditions below.

Beasts in the courtyard

It feels like summer is finally on the way and our courtyard has been taken over by four incredible stainless steel beasts by the late great British sculptor Lynn Chadwick RA. Created between 1989 and 1990 this is the first time these works have ever been seen together. Constructed from welded sheets of triangular steel they powerfully capture a sense of muscular power and animal like movement. Why not come along and take in the view in our Courtyard Café over a glass of Pimms or two?

Hear from our visitors

Renaissance Impressions has been open for little over a month and it’s not just the critics who’ve been raving about this show, our visitors have been sharing their reviews online too. On Twitter one enthusiastic visitor left feeling "inspired to create a woodcut", while another called it "an absolute must-see" and on Facebook one of our fans said simply: "splendid!" So don’t just take our word for it, take it from the people who’ve already seen it and loved it, book your tickets now to discover the beauty of chiaroscuro woodcuts.