On Monday 11th and Friday 15th August, the then Royal Cambrian Academy Committee served official notice to RCA members that the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, founded in 1881–82, would close permanently on Sunday 24th August 2025.
Since then, there have been positive developments. Enquiries undertaken showed that the form of liquidation being pursued was invalid, which led to the liquidation company withdrawing, the RCA Council resigning, and an official handover being made to Dr Ceri Thomas and Jeremy Yates.
On 23rd September, a new RCA Council will be elected and will create a plan for the way forward. This will include an art auction to raise vital funds, and the recruitment of volunteers to assist with the reopening of the gallery.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, welcomed this news and will continue to champion the Royal Cambrian Academy as it prepares to reopen.
Commenting on the update, Janet said:
“I was delighted to learn about the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art’s plan to rebuild and find a way forward to reopening the Academy. This institution has been the backbone of arts in Conwy since its opening, enabling artists from Wales and beyond to exhibit their work and build a future for themselves.
“I have been assisting them for some time, with several meetings being held with the Arts Council of Wales to discuss the future of the Academy. I will continue to use the levers at my disposal to help support the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, and I wish them all the best as they progress towards reopening.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
