December project and reward update

First of all, thank you for your continued patience for those of you waiting for your rewards. As we have also seen with our capital project, the current supply chain issues are impacting all of us. We are pleased to let you know that the tote bags and Unicorn and the Lion books will be dispatched from the end of this week, so donors who chose these rewards can expect a delivery very soon.

However, the Curated Art Kits and the limited edition prints of Stewart Geddes' work, Tevelina, are unfortunately taking longer and delivery for these is likely to be after the New Year. We are sincerely sorry that this has taken so long due to circumstances beyond our control.

Despite the delays to the wider Light and Inspiration project, the building work is now at an exciting stage with the replacement of the roof lanterns having been completed. The new double-glazed units automatically open to allow ventilation when the galleries are hot and close when rain is detected.

During this work, cracks and gaps in the roof have been sealed; support timbers have been replaced, and the structure around the lanterns strengthened, ensuring that the project addresses all the maintenance issues. Now that this work is complete, the redecoration of all galleries is underway and the installation of new underfloor heating is scheduled to commence once the interior scaffolding has been dismantled.

Thanks to our project managers, PHD Property, you can view drone footage of the new roof lanterns on Youtube here - RWA Light and Inspiration Progress: Drone Footage - YouTube

Meanwhile, substantial progress has been made in the removal of the ground floor windows, and the opening up of new apertures to take glass doors, behind which will lie the greatly expanded café, instantly making the building more inviting.

The forecourt has been remodelled to include central steps leading from the pavement to a new wider terrace and performance space in front of the building, while the curved driveway provides ramped access both for visitors and for art deliveries. The whole area will be finished in in York stone and will incorporate large planters and west-facing stepped seating, creating the sense of a public piazza.

Work has also commenced on the foundations for our new, large-scale lift, and the steel structure is due to be installed over the course of the next month. Thanks to a commissioning grant from the Art Fund, it will be clad in enamel tiles with a design by Peter Randall-Page RA RWA, making a striking addition to the building, and to the city.

A big thank you once again for your invaluable support for the Family and Community Space which is a key part of this project, and we hope to be in touch again soon.