PRESS RELEASE

126 th Annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition

From Classic Canvasses to Brer Fox, “Something for Everyone” at Northern Ireland 's Most Popular Art Exhibition

The 126 th Royal Ulster Academy 's Exhibition… Northern Ireland 's biggest and most popular Annual Exhibition of art, is on show at Ormeau Baths Gallery.(OBG) until 24 th October

Sponsored by KPMG, the Exhibition highlights the work of Members of the Academy, including most of the Province's leading artists, as well as entries submitted for selection by artists from all over Ireland . This year, a record 1012 entries were submitted by almost 600 artists…!

Approximately 180 of these submitted entries were selected by a seven-person panel. Including works from RUA members there will be over 300 pieces in the show, making it the largest ever Academy Exhibition. It embraces the whole range of art disciplines; paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, textiles etc…from classic canvasses and bronzes to dramatic prints, and even bizarre and amusing creations such as Betty Brown's award-winning “Brer Fox Property Developer” …!

15 prestigious Awards were adjudicated by Patrick J. Murphy, Art Adviser to President McAleese, and Chairman of the Republic's Office of Public Works Art Collection.

Awards include: the RUA Gold Medal & Conor Café Prize awarded to Academician Basil Blackshaw; best Self Portrait Award goes to Sarah Longley; the Conor Prize for best Figurative work went to Belfast artist Rosie McGurran, whilst the new KPMG Award for best Emerging Artist will be presented to young North Belfast man Francis McCrory.

The Exhibition also sees a significant change of President of the Academy. Lisburn- based Carol Graham (one of Ireland 's leading portrait artists) steps down after three years, and hands over the Presidency to internationally acclaimed Belfast artist Rita Duffy, one of the youngest Academicians to hold this prestigious office, first held by Sir John Lavery.

Jon D'Arcy, Chairman of KPMG's Belfast practice, commented: “We are committed to supporting the cultural life of the community, and the RUA's Exhibition makes a unique contribution to Northern Irish society as both a stimulus and showcase for the finest in contemporary Irish art. We are excited at the prospect of working with the Royal Ulster Academy for what we're sure will prove a hugely popular exhibition.''

RUA Development Manager Gail Ritchie observed: “This event reflects the increasing interest in the visual arts, and the amazing popularity of the Academy's Annual Exhibition, not just with artists, but also with the public. Last year's Exhibition attracted over 9000 visitors to Ormeau Baths Gallery (OBG) in Belfast 's city centre.”

There is truly “something for everyone” at this exciting Exhibition. And many visitors come not just to view, but also to buy. Most of the buyers are private individuals, as well as collectors, professionals, and increasingly, companies and organisations which are developing their own corporate art collections. Prices range from £60 for a beautiful photographic print, to £18,000 for work by a leading Academician.

“In 2006 we sold over 120 works and more than the two previous years combined,” commented Gail Ritchie. “With entries from many of Ulster's leading artists, including Academicians such as Basil Blackshaw, Rita Duffy, Neil Shawcross, Brian Ballard etc, and the boost provided by KPMG's partnership, this year's show is on course for yet another record outcome.”

The Exhibition will be held in Ormeau Baths Gallery (OBG) Ormeau Avenue Belfast , and runs from 28 September until 24 October. There is a full supporting Education and outreach programme, including talks, Children's Workshops etc. Uniquely, the Gallery is open on Sundays from 1pm until 5pm during this Exhibition.