The Royal West of England Academy, known as the RWA, hires its galleries and lower-ground rooms for receptions of up to 200 guests, dinners of up to 60 and meetings or workshops of up to 15. It stands on Queen's Road in Clifton, Bristol, in a Grade II* listed building. The RWA is a registered charity, and hire income supports its programme.
Seminars and company events
The RWA presents its galleries as suited to networking events and corporate celebrations. The organisation names Hive Financial Planning and Bristol Junior Chamber among the businesses it has hosted. Guests climb the grand staircase to historic galleries filled with natural light, with the current exhibition as a backdrop. The first-floor landing opens onto a west-facing balcony with views over the Clifton area, which suits drinks in the evening.
For training days, workshops and away days, the Youngwood Room and the Meeting Room on the lower ground floor are available, for groups of up to 15 people. A Rest Space nearby serves as a breakout area. A tour of the current exhibition can be organised for a group. The experienced events team gives support before the event and manages the day itself.
Weddings and receptions
The official pages describe receptions, networking events and dinners. They do not present weddings as a service, so couples should ask the events team directly before planning one. For receptions, the Kenny Gallery or the Main Galleries give access to the current exhibition, the marble landing and the balcony.
Rooms and capacities
Receptions and networking events are stated for up to 200 people. Dinners are stated for up to 60. Meetings and workshops are stated for up to 15. The spaces named on the site are the Kenny Gallery, the Main Galleries, the marble landing and balcony on the first floor, and the Youngwood Room and Meeting Room on the lower ground floor. The site also lists film and photography shoots as a possible use of the galleries.
Catering
The refurbished spaces can accommodate a range of catering requirements. The RWA recommends the caterer Papadeli, which has experience serving in the building. It also works with Kate's Kitchen and Square Foods Foundation, as well as several other local caterers.
History and setting
The RWA is one of four Royal Academies of Art in the United Kingdom, and describes itself as Bristol's first art gallery. It has been self-supporting as a charity for more than 160 years. Events take place beside exhibitions, so the art on the walls changes through the year. The building is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, and events are arranged around its opening times with the events team.
Getting there
The address is Queen's Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PX. The RWA website has a Getting Here page with transport details. For visits and quotes, contact the events team by email at events@rwa.org.uk.
