Inside the Summer Exhibition 2021 with Yinka Shonibare RA

Published 19 September 2021

Summer Exhibition coordinator Yinka Shonibare RA explains his vision for this year’s show

  • This content is hosted on Vimeo

    You need to consent to marketing cookies set by Vimeo to view this content. ​

    Manage preferences

    A first look inside the Summer Exhibition 2021

    The theme of the 253rd Summer Exhibition is ‘Reclaiming Magic’.

    It has been coordinated by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare RA and champions artists from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, especially those who may have been marginalised in the past. It also hopes to inspire creativity, inclusion and celebrate the joy of creating art.

    This year the Royal Academy received over 15,000 entries, of which over 1,300 works were chosen to go on display.

    • Summer Exhibition 2021 artwork from the Lecture Room

      Book a ticket for the Summer Exhibition 2021

      Run every year since 1769 – yes, even in 2020 – the Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission art show.

      It brings together art in all mediums, from prints, paintings, film and photography to sculpture, architectural works and more by leading artists, Royal Academicians and household names as well as new and emerging talent.

  • Support the RA

    As an independent charity, we receive no revenue funding from the government. At this difficult time, we're reliant on the support of our Friends, visitors and online audiences. Thank you.