Usher on mentoring, creativity and the Summer Exhibition

Our Head of Learning writes about the creative partnership between the Royal Academy and top recording artist Usher.

What, you may ask, links the RA and Usher, the international recording superstar? Both Usher and his New Look Foundation and the RA, especially our Learning Department, believe in investing in young people, nurturing their creativity, instilling discipline and providing a platform to build a career or a lifelong avocation in the arts.

We first met Usher a couple of years ago when he came to the RA to see the Summer Exhibition and to learn more about the Academy. Now we are friends, sharing a commitment to working with young artists. Before his O2 concert last month, Usher spent an evening in the RA Schools’ historic Life Room with young people who are involved with the RA’s Learning programmes, and RA supporters and patrons. Together we explored ideas around creativity, mentoring and inspiration. Here are some highlights.

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Usher at the Royal Academy

In these highlights from his conversation with the RA’s Beth Schneider, Usher discusses mentoring, creativity and the Summer Exhibition.

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