In 2026, the Royal Scottish Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions in Scotland, will be 200 years old! Celebrations will be nationwide and involve hundreds of artists, partners, galleries and institutions across the country, in Scotland as well as across the UK. It is set to be the widest reaching project ever of its type in the UK with over 100 museums, galleries, and other cultural partners coming together to celebrate with their own events, major exhibitions, performances, talks and collection rehangs.

The project is designed to bring partners and communities together to celebrate the cultural history, presence and influence of the RSA and its Academicians across Scotland. Projects will connect to artist and architect Academicians, or emerging artists who have been part of the RSA family both in the past and now. Projects and activities will stretch across the whole of 2026 and we are delighted to be a partnering organisation for this momentous celebration.

We will be releasing two new publications to celebrate Scottish historical and contemporary art, as well as hosting the return of PhotoDalkeith. Our festival show in August will also be celebrating a contemporary artist.

Now entering its second year, PhotoDalkeith has quickly established itself as a vibrant platform for photographic culture in Scotland. For its 2026 edition, Studies in Photography, curator Julie Lawson working in collaboration with Calum Colvin RSA, will co-curate the exhibition for the Royal Scottish Academy. This partnership brings together extensive curatorial expertise and a shared commitment to supporting both established and emerging photographic talent. Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 programme will further strengthen PhotoDalkeith’s role in promoting dialogue, innovation, and public engagement with contemporary and historical photography.

Now in its fourth year, Space to Breathe is a photography exhibition held at Bowhouse, St Monan's, Fife since 2023. This year Studies in Photography will be hosting a range of artists in August in this scenic venue.