The RGA is a diverse group of about 160 artists whose interests include painting, sculpture/3-D, drawing, printmaking, typography and lettering, ceramics, weaving, embroidery, stained glass, photography and digital work. It supports members' professional development, acts as an artists' network, provides opportunities for exhibition and sale of work, and organises a variety of activities that are open to all members of the community. There is a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of art practice, but also a contemplative strand which offers discussion and constructive criticism of members' work. There are lectures and visits which examine artists, movements, and recent developments. A new offshoot focusing on contemporary art and new exhibition opportunities is called arjeea21, which held its first exhibition "Allotment" at Gallery 10 in Reading in July 2008.
The RGA was formed in 1930 to advance public education in visual arts by means of exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, criticism and discussion. Its founders were the Professor of the Fine Art Department of the University of Reading and Curator of the Reading Museum. Membership is open to all, and new members are very welcome, from experienced professionals to complete beginners. New members usually join as Affiliates, then upgrade to Associate or Full member status according to experience and competence: this opens opportunities to exhibit. Those with a degree in visual art may join at the Associate level, and established artists may be offered a fast track route to Full membership. Exhibitions are selected. Full members may submit work for all exhibitions, Associate members may submit work for the Annual Exhibition and for certain others.
Annual Exhibitions have been held each year except for 1939, and there are usually additional exhibitions every year. These are reported in the local press and on local radio or television. Locations have included Reading Museum, Henley Exhibition Centre, The Hexagon, Reading Central Library, The Royal Berkshire Hospital, The Jelly Leg'd Chicken, and The Museum of English Rural Life. There have been reciprocal exhibitions with artists in Dusseldorf, Reading's twin city. We are currently looking for locations for exhibiting a wider range of work, and welcome proposals from artists and from organisations which might offer exhibition space.
Members have contributed to various community projects including Fight for Sight, Wyfold Riding for the Disabled, The Big Draw, recording the refurbishment of Reading Town Hall, and liaison with local schools. The summer painting days raise funds for a variety of charities. Sale of work from the Corridor Exhibitions in the Royal Berkshire Hospital helps raise money for the Hospital's Arts and Gardens Fund.