We’d like to invite you to a very special Friends event at the RWA on Thursday 25 September at 6pm – an important vote, an inspiring talk, and a chance to enjoy the Annual Open Exhibition after hours with a drink in hand.
The formal part of the evening will be a Special General Meeting at 6.30pm (drinks from 6pm), where Friends will vote on a milestone change in the history of the RWA and the Friends. After the short business of the meeting, we’re delighted to welcome Stephen Jacobson RWA – ever-popular speaker, former Vice President of the RWA, and a long-standing friend of the Friends – who will give a talk with personal insights into this year’s 172 Annual Open Exhibition, surrounded by the artworks themselves.
Afterwards, you’ll be free to catch up with fellow Friends and browse the galleries without the crowds.
The vote
The relationship between the Friends and the RWA has never been closer or more positive. Indeed, most Friends probably don’t realise that we are technically two separate charities. There are historical reasons for this, but the Friends Committee and the RWA’s Director and Trustees are unanimous in agreeing that uniting as a single charity now is the right thing to do.
The key purpose of the Friends is to raise money for the RWA – so it makes much more sense for Friends income to go directly to the RWA, rather than first into our bank account and then into the RWA’s via Trustee votes. The RWA already handles all the administration and most of the recruiting of new Friends. This move will free the Friends Committee to focus on what we love doing best: organising trips, talks, and our exhibition, as well as developing new fundraising ideas and activities.
In practical terms, there would be no change to your subscription, your benefits, or your experience as a Friend – but the behind-the-scenes governance would be simpler, stronger, and better aligned for the future.
The resolution
The meeting will consider the following special resolution:
We, the members of THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY (Charity No. 1107149) hereby resolve to dissolve the charity in accordance with the provisions set out in our constitution.
Proposed Resolution: “That the members of THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY (Charity No. 1107149) agree to the dissolution of the charity, and confirm that:
- Any debts and other liabilities of the Charity have been settled or otherwise provided for in full.
- The assets of the Charity have been or are to be applied in accordance with the directions in the constitution upon dissolution and shall be paid to the Royal West of England Academy.
- The Trustees are directed to close the charity as soon as possible after all financial affairs have been wound up and no later than 31 December 2026.
The resolution requires a two-thirds majority of those voting.
How to take part in the vote
You can vote in one of two ways:
- Attend in person at the SGM and vote on the night.
- Vote online via this short form.
If you can’t make the event in person, please do vote online so we can reach our quorum.
Online voting will close at midnight on Wednesday 24 September so that votes can be counted in time for the meeting.
If you have any questions before the SGM, please do get in touch via friends@rwa.org.uk – we’d be very happy to hear from you.
We hope to see you at this very special evening on 25 September.
Very best wishes,
Andrew Nixon
Chair, Friends of the RWA
(on behalf of the Friends Committee)
The Floating Circle 