Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026 Preview Party Draws Celebrities and Artists
On June 10, 2026, the Royal Academy of Arts in London hosted the preview party for its 258th Summer Exhibition, undeterred by summer rain. The event was co-chaired by notable figures such as musician Anoushka Shankar, actor Archie Madekwe, Frieze's EMEA Director Eva Langret, Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir. Celebrities in attendance included Lily Allen, Brian Cox, Jessie Ware, and Jenna Coleman. Curated by Professor Ryan Gander OBE, the exhibition, themed 'Interconnectedness,' examines concepts of entanglement and unexpected links, featuring a continuous white line as a curatorial element. The showcase includes works from renowned artists like Tracey Emin and over 30 current RA students. Music was arranged by Clara Amfo, with performances by Sasha Keable, The New York Brass Band, and DJs. Guests enjoyed Fortnum & Mason champagne, canapés inspired by Sol LeWitt, and a lounge by House of Creed, with proceeds benefiting the Royal Academy and RA Schools.
Key facts
- The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition preview party took place on June 10, 2026, in London.
- The event was co-chaired by Anoushka Shankar, Archie Madekwe, Eva Langret, Grayson Perry, and Laura Weir.
- The 2026 exhibition is curated by Professor Ryan Gander OBE with the theme 'Interconnectedness'.
- Gander introduced a white horizontal line as a curatorial device in the galleries.
- Works by Tracey Emin and over 30 RA students were on display.
- Music was curated by Clara Amfo, with performances by Sasha Keable and others.
- The party included Fortnum & Mason champagne and canapés inspired by Sol LeWitt.
- Proceeds from art sales support the Royal Academy and RA Schools.
Entities
Artists
- Lily Allen
- Anoushka Shankar
- Archie Madekwe
- Grayson Perry
- Ryan Gander
- Tracey Emin
- Sasha Keable
- Clara Amfo
- Brian Cox
- Jessie Ware
- Jenna Coleman
- Honor Swinton-Byrne
- Talia Byre
- Anna Schaffer
- Greta Bellamacina
- Grace Dent
- Emma Thynn
- Ania Magliano
- Rose Gray
- Aidan Zamiri
- Olivia Dean
- Zezi Ifore
- Hale Zero
- Emmanuel Lawal
- Ashton Gohil
- CKTRL
- Marco Capaldo
- Sol LeWitt
- Ugo Rondinone
- Eva Langret
- Laura Weir
- Rebecca Salter
- Humphrey Ocean
- Oona Grimes
- Katherine Jones
- Allen Jones
- Alex Margo Arden
- Amalie Gassmann
- Bel Priestley
- Carl Haley
- Rafael Haley
- Greg Haley
- Charlie Casely-Hayford
- Betty Bachz
- Daisy Lowe
- Georgia Medley
- Grace Campbell
- Philippa Perry
- Batia Ofer
- Hamish Powell
- Henry Holland
- Ikram Abdi Omar
- Isamaya Ffrench
- Jenna Fletcher
- Alva Claire
- Olivia Ozi-Oiza Chance
- Yannick Konan
- Patricia Zhou
- Anna Jewsbury
- Pixie Geldof
- Rahi Chadda
- Ciinderella Balthazar
- Rejina Pyo
- Roksanda Ilincic
- Supriya Lele
- Tigerlily Taylor
- Sadie Clayton
- Vanessa Kingori
- Vick Hope
- Yomi Adegoke
- Foday Dumbuya
- La Roux
- Lolly Adefope
- Katie Stalker
- Munroe Bergdorf
- Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Aindrea Emelife
- Mary Lucia Stephenson
- Daniel W Fletcher
- Amber Anderson
- Adam Gallagher
- David Remfy
- DJ Fat Tony
- Stavros Agapiou
- Elaine Foran
- Nick Grimshaw
- Julia Hobbs
- Ella Eyre
- Claudia Winkleman
- Annie Mac
- Chloe Qisha
- Lady Amelia Windsor
- Claire Le Marquand
- Aarti Pal
- Donnie Sunshine
- Eileen Cooper
- Michael Craig-Martin
- Goshka Macuga
- Peter St John
Institutions
- Royal Academy of Arts
- RA Schools
- Frieze
- British Fashion Council
- Fortnum & Mason
- Drinksfusion
- Bubble Food
- House of Creed
- Vogue
- The New York Brass Band
- Sunny Steel band
- audiocomingsoon
- WireImage
- 16Arlington
- Simone Rocha
- Pauline Dujancourt
- Lanvin
- Rebecca Vallance
- Simkhai
- SNL UK
- Insight Investment
- The House of Creed
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Royal Academy of Arts
- Soho