Located in the heart of Piccadilly, London, the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions. Founded in 1768 by a group of visionary artists led by the illustrious Joshua Reynolds, the RA has become a beacon of artistic excellence, committed to promoting the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and impassioned dialogue.

Since 2019, the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation has played a vital role in supporting the Academy’s mission. Their generous contributions have helped to strengthen the institution and ensure its ongoing impact on the global art scene.

The RA hosts year-round exhibitions and events, showcasing everything from classical sculpture to modern masterpieces. However, the crown jewel remains the Summer Exhibition—an iconic annual tradition since 1769. This exhibition celebrates contemporary art across diverse media and genres, providing a platform for both emerging talents and established artists. As the world’s longest-running open submission exhibition, it offers artists of all levels a unique opportunity to showcase their work. Remarkably, around two-thirds of the featured artworks are by young and emerging artists, and to date, over 5,000 artworks have been sold through this exhibition.

A core part of the RA’s impact lies in its RA Schools—the oldest art school in Britain and a cornerstone of contemporary art education. The three-year postgraduate program is renowned for being one of the most competitive and sought-after in the UK. Thanks to the support of the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation, tuition at RA Schools is entirely free, ensuring that talent and potential are not limited by financial constraints. The school is equipped with cutting-edge facilities that allow students to explore and experiment across artistic practices, fostering the development of each individual’s creative voice through dialogue, collaboration, and critical thinking.

One particularly inspiring story is that of Fungai Benhura, a 33-year-old artist from Zimbabwe currently in his third year at the RA. Fungai’s journey began through “A-level Art Star”, a series of free online workshops for young people aged 15–19. Reflecting on his experiences, he shares:
“I’ve always been drawn to art. Growing up, I realized it was the only way I could truly express myself. I used to think it would only ever be a hobby—I never imagined it could become my career.”
The RA has allowed Fungai to push his artistic boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and refine his unique style.
“The Academy encourages me to take full advantage of the support we’re given—to think freely, take risks, try new things. If I fail, I learn from my mistakes—and that helps me dream big.”

Fungai is deeply grateful for the financial support he receives, acknowledging that the tuition-free model made possible by generous donors like the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation has been life-changing:
“Free tuition is a huge blessing. Without this kind of support, my development would have been much slower. Thanks to the donors, I can attend school every day and spend more time in the studio instead of worrying about how to fund my studies.”

To further inspire young people like Fungai, the Ofer Foundation launched an initiative in 2023 to subsidize exhibition entry tickets at the Royal Academy. Visitors aged 16–25 now pay only half price, with the foundation hoping this move will foster a new generation of art enthusiasts.