The Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA)

is one of the oldest and most prestigious art institutions in Northern Ireland. Established in 1879, its primary mission is to promote and support the visual arts in Northern Ireland. The RUA is composed of a membership base that includes artists, sculptors, printmakers, and architects, among others.

Membership in the RUA is typically divided into several categories, including:

  1. Academicians: This category comprises established artists and practitioners who have been elected by their peers for their excellence in their respective fields. Academicians are often recognized for their significant contributions to the arts community and are involved in various aspects of the RUA's activities, including exhibitions, events, and governance.

  2. Senior Academicians: Similar to Academicians, Senior Academicians are distinguished members of the RUA who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment to the arts over an extended period. They may hold prominent positions within the organization and play a vital role in shaping its direction and initiatives.

  3. Associate Academicians: Associate Academicians are emerging or mid-career artists who have shown promise and potential in their artistic practice. This category provides a platform for artists to gain recognition and exposure within the arts community and offers opportunities for professional development and networking.

  4. Honorary Academicians: Honorary Academicians are individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts or have shown support for the RUA's mission and objectives. They may include patrons, sponsors, or individuals from allied fields whose involvement enhances the reputation and impact of the organization.

  5. Honorary Members: Similar to Honorary Academicians, Honorary Members are individuals who have been recognized for their support or contributions to the RUA. They may include distinguished figures from the arts, culture, academia, or public life who have shown a commitment to advancing the goals of the organization.

Membership in the RUA is typically by invitation or through a formal application process, and candidates are evaluated based on their artistic achievements, creative potential, and dedication to the arts. The RUA organizes regular exhibitions, events, and educational programs to engage its members and the wider community, fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts environment in Northern Ireland.

 
 Senior Academicians: 

Sophie Aghajanian, James Allen, Anne M Anderson,  Margaret Arthur, Brian Ballard, John Breakey,

Beatrice Chapleo, Ivor Coburn, Richard J Croft, David Crone, Denise Ferran, Barbara Freeman, Graham Gingles, Terence Gravett, Ros Harvey, Les Jones, Helen Kerr, Robert Lee-Wade, James MacKeever, James Manley, Hector McDonnell, Catherine McWilliams, James Millar, Jeffrey Morgan, Carolyn Mulholland, Jack Pakenham, Neil Shawcross, Bob Sloan, Victor Sloan, Mavis Thomson, Veronica Wallis

 Academicians:

Barbara Allen, Neisha Allen, Betty Brown, Colin Davidson, Diarmuid Delargy, *Daniel Dowling, Rita Duffy, Julian Friers, Carol Graham, Tony Hill, Sharon Kelly, Elizabeth Magill, Clement McAleer, Colin McGookin, Rosie McGurran, Simon McWilliams, Zöe Murdoch, Peter Neill, Marcus Patton, Eddie Rafferty, Anthony Scott, Paul Seawright, Dermot Seymour, Mark Shields, Anushiya Sundaralingam, Jennifer Trouton, Paul Walls, Colin Watson, Chris Wilson, Keith Wilson

Associate Academicians:

Lisa Ballard, Natalia Black, Cristina Bunello, Anne Butler, Declan Byrne, Comhghall Casey, Ian Cumberland, Karen Daye-Hutchinson, Eileen Ferguson, Ciaran Gallagher, Neal Greig, Cara Gordon, Angela Hackett, Angela Halliday, William Heron, Ronnie Hughes, Oliver Jeffers,  Sarah Longley, Alison Lowry, Joanna Mules, Cara Murphy, Peter Richards, Stephen Shaw

Honorary Academicians:
Brian Ferran
Honorary Members:

Martyn Anglesea, Frank Boyd, Rose Boyd, Andrew Crockart, Barry Douglas, Dr. Rosemary Kelly, Michael Longley, Ian Lindsay , Mike McCann, John McMillan, Dr Éimear O'Connor, Glen Patterson, Stephen Snoddy, Peter Wilson.

 
 
President:  Daniel Dowling PRUA
Director: Simon McWilliams RUA 
 
Exhibitons Manager: Mary McCaffery
Sales Desk Co-Ordinator: Stephanie Rankin