Royal Ulster Academy of Arts, Northern Ireland

Royal Ulster Academy
Visual Arts in Cork

An important institution in the history of Irish art in the North, the Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) originated as the Belfast Art Society, which in 1930 was renamed the Ulster Academy of Arts - the Royal being added when the British monarch became its patron. Among its founding Academicians were the painters Mildred Anne Butler, William Conor, Hans Iten, Frank McKelvey and Charles Lamb. Other prominent artists who became members of the RUA include: Tom Carr, Colin Davidson, TP Flanagan, Gladys MacCabe, Cecil Maguire, Leo Whelan (HRUA), Maurice C. Wilks.

The Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA) continues to be the pre-eminent artists' organization in Northern Ireland. A large number of Ireland's most outstanding artists are exhibiting members of the Academy.

The Royal Ulster Academy's Annual Exhibition is held at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. It constitutes the largest, open art exhibition of Irish painting and Irish sculpture in Northern Ireland and attracts submissions from hundreds of painters, sculptors from home and overseas.

126th Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition (2007)

Prizewinners

1. RUA Perpetual Gold Medal and Conor Café Prize (£800)
The RUA Perpetual Gold Medal is awarded for the best work by a Member of the Academic Body of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts.

Awarded to: Basil Blackshaw

2. RUA Perpetual Silver Medal and the The Ulster Arts Club Prize (£500)
The RUA Perpetual Silver Medal is awarded for the most outstanding work by an artist who is not a member of the Academic Body of the RUA.

Won by: Colin Watson

3. RUA President's Prize (£300)
For the best work by a full-time student.

Awarded to: Ailsa Friel

4. Conor Prize and The Mooney Hotel Group Award (£800)
In memory of William Conor, this figure drawing or figure painting prize and bronze medal (awarded by the Academy) is awarded for a work in which the main focus of interest is a figure or figures.

Won by: Rosie McGurran

5. Killarney Art Gallery Prize (£1000)
For an outstanding fine art painting by a young artist (under 35 years).

Awarded to: Lisa Ballard

6. Tom Caldwell Gallery Award for Drawing (£500)
For the best drawing.

Won by: Colin Davidson

7. Paul Henry Landscape Prize (£600)
For the best landscape painting.

Won by: Clement McAleer

8. Ross's Watercolour Prize (£400)
For the best watercolour painting.

Awarded to: Barbara Allen

9. Emer Gallery Prize for a Self Portrait (£750)
For the best self-portrait in any medium.

Awarded to: Sarah Longley

10. Robinson McIlwaine Architects “Original Vision” Award (£500)

Awarded to: Zoe Murdoch

11. KPMG Emerging Artist Award (£1500)

Awarded to: Francis McCrory

12. Nicholson and Bass Prize (£300)
For printmaking.

Awarded to: Colin Davis

13. Mullan Gallery Prize (£500)
For the best bronze sculpture.

Won by: Cheryl Brown

14. Irish News Prize (£500)
For a work in any medium depicting the theme of "Ireland Today".

Won by: Betty Brown

15. NIAVAC “Lens-Based” Award For Photography (£300)

Won by: Aindreas Scholtz

• For facts about the art industry in Northern Ireland, see: Irish Art.

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