The Royal South Australian Society of Arts is the oldest and longest running Art Society in Australia. Founded in 1856, only twenty years after the colonisation of Adelaide.
As a member of the Royal SA Society of Arts, you will be making history of the future. The rich heritage of the Society provides a backdrop to the endless possibilities of art today. Original thoughts lead to, ideas and concepts, expressed through digital media, photography, painting, printmaking, textiles, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry, as well as in traditional processes.
There are many benefits if you wish to be involved.
- Liaison with both professional and emerging artists.
- Membership covers opportunity for 2 x 2D and 3 x 3D artworks to be presented for consideration for up to 16 weeks on the gallery walls each year (4 x 4-week seasonal member exhibitions).
- RSASArts.com.au providing information and links to other artists and events. www.facebook.com/rsasarts & Instagram
- Email bulletins: with what’s happening – Society’s exhibition dates, delivery of artworks, collection of works and information about other exhibitions.
- Periodic communications from RSASA Council – In-The-Loop.
- Quarterly magazine “Kalori” Meaning (indigenous interpretation “Message stick”), information on artists past and present, reports, exhibitions, demonstrations.
- Members are encouraged to submit articles to the Kalori Editor via email kalori.editor@internode.on.net
- Invitations via email to RSASA exhibitions, events as they occur.
- RSASA Library access for research and reference to artists and students.
- Submission of artworks for four Member Exhibitions, e.g. Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring, with interesting titles to challenge the artist.
- The ability to understand, being involved and learn more about the staging of exhibitions, through planning and ‘hands on’ involvement of exhibitions.
- Ability to put forward ideas, concepts for exhibitions, through the Exhibition Committee, designing flyers, invitations.
- Opportunity to Curate exhibitions, with the help of the Exhibition Committee
- Involvement in artist talks & demonstrations at Members’ exhibitions & the RSASA Portrait Prize Exhibition, depending on skills & ability.
- Feed back to the RSASA Council and Committees of your suggestions.
- Member publications for sale in the RSASA gallery. There are significant publications by members including RSASA Visual History Vol 1 & 2 by Dr Adam Dutkiewicz.
- Print bin in gallery for Members unframed artworks, for sale.
- Your involvement as an “Artist” or “Friend” of the RSASA” will provide friendship and learning benefits from artists in the journey of further development, at the same time making your mark in Art.
- RSASA Life Drawing Group/Sketch Group each Thursday 7 – 10.00pm at Hubbe Court, Burnside
- Friday morning Sketch Group, meeting each Friday rain or shine at designated venue. This list is available www.rsasarts.com.au
- RSASA Youthscape Art Prize Exhibitions, biennial for young artists 15 – 26 Years
- Occasional teaching classes.
- Rising Sun Hotel Inn – exhibitions 8 weekly, all welcome to attend
- RSASA Abstract Art Prize $5,000 Acquisitive Prize, donated by the Kennedy Arts Foundation and other cash prizes TBA – biennial.
- RSASA Portrait Prize, 2 yearly, $10,000 Acquisitive Prize, donated by the Kennedy Arts Foundation and other cash prizes TBA – biennial.
- The RSASA have a significant library for research purposes, and publications written by members, e.g. Dr Adam Dutkiewicz – RSASA History Vol 1 & 2, along with other impressive publications.
RSASA Membership renewal for the 23/24 financial year.
2023/24 Fellows $115, Associates $90, Standard Member $65, Standard Student $30, Friend $25
If you are joining RSASA : Standard Member $65, Student Members $30, Friend $25, PLUS there is a $20 once-off administration fee for an information pack which provides useful information.
Membership levels
The membership levels of the RSASA commence at Standard Practising Member. If joining as a Standard Member, you will be able to submit up to two 2D works and/or three 3D works into RSASA Members’ Exhibitions. Once a standard member receives 3 Merit Awards for their artwork (awarded by the Selection Committee during member exhibitions) they have the opportunity to become an Associate Member (ARSASA).
Associate Membership allows members to submit artwork for consideration of becoming a “Fellow” (FRSASA). Applications to become a Fellow of RSASA are voted on by those members of Fellow status in September each year.
A “Diploma of Fellowship” is awarded at the following Annual General Meeting. This award is highly regarded worldwide.
Council, Committee and Volunteer opportunities
The RSASA Council meets monthly to oversee the running of the Society, comprises President, Director, 4 Vice-Presidents plus a representative for Fellow, Associate, Standard Member, Student Members and Friends. Appointments are for one year with a right of renewal and are elected at the Annual General Meeting in October each year.
Members are encouraged to participate as volunteers in the many administrative tasks of the Society E.g. Exhibition Committee. Hanging, Catering, sitting gallery.
The Selection Committee membership is an annual appointment with a limit of 3 consecutive years. It comprises six Fellows and one Associate rep. with the President as chairperson. Participants need to have a good/wide knowledge of artistic skills and the requirements needed to mount a successful exhibition. For some exhibitions e.g. New Members, others are invited to audit the process of selection.
Plus ‘desk sitting’ supervising for a 3-hour shift which is a golden opportunity to liaise with the public, look at the exhibition in-depth and peruse the Society’s art journals and books to learn more about art and arts in practice.