The Royal West of England Academy is the premier art gallery in the city of Bristol and the surrounding area. It is therefore the leading center for the arts in the southwest of the country and is widely and overwhelmingly recognized as a place that manages to enrich and nurture the lives of people from all communities and backgrounds.

It is housed in an impressive historic and cultural building in the center of the city and, through its extensive program of exhibitions, events, workshops, and conferences, it is committed to providing art for all and promoting its understanding and enjoyment.

The Royal West Academy exhibitions always feature works by prominent contemporary artists alongside great works of the past, often brought to the city for the first time.

The gallery's permanent collection includes more than 1,700 works of art, mostly paintings but also drawings, prints, sculptures and architectural models covering themes such as portraiture, landscapes and figurative works. Among the artists on display are Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Dod Procter, Gilbert Spencer, Carel Weight, Mary Fedden, Ann Redpath and Julian Trevelyan.