The Brownston Gallery has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the South West Academy, and at the time of writing we are hosting the annual Spring Exhibition. This exhibition offers a selection of talented Academicians the opportunity to showcase their work, and traditionally, the much-anticipated SWAc Spring Exhibition is the first of the year, heralding the start of the gallery’s busy programme.
Although we have hosted this exhibition for many years, we often find that visitors are unfamiliar with the South West Academy. With that in mind, this seems the perfect opportunity to share a little insight into the charity and its background.
Like the Royal Academy in London, the South West Academy (SWAc) is run by its artist members. It was established in Exeter in 2000 by a group of artists and supporters who sought to restore the balance between fine and applied arts. Led by its first president, Alan Cotton, the SWAc developed a constitution with a clear aim: to exhibit members’ work while also advancing and promoting the creation and appreciation of art across the South West.
The Academy contributes to the cultural life of the region through a busy annual programme of events and exhibitions. Its Open Exhibition, held towards the end of the year, is one of its most significant showcases. It includes the Young Artists Award—part of the Academy’s ongoing work with schools and young people—and invites submissions from regional, national, and international artists to exhibit alongside Academy members.
Each year, we are delighted to be involved in the Open Exhibition by presenting the Brownston Prize to one of the exhibiting guest artists. In 2025, North Devon landscape artist Jennifer Schamotta received the award and is currently showing a small collection of her atmospheric paintings alongside the Academicians.
The SWAc Spring Exhibition runs at the gallery until Saturday 2nd May. To find out more about the South West Academy and its events, please visit www.southwestacademy.org.uk, or explore the Spring Exhibition online via our website.
