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Kirsty Wark and Brenda Emmanus go behind the scenes at the RA's Summer Exhibition, which this year is the vision of celebrated British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare.

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition returns to an autumn slot for a second year as the ramifications of the pandemic continue to play out.

Kirsty Wark and Brenda Emmanus go behind the scenes at the London arts institution to find out which aspiring artists will make it on to the walls this year. The 2021 edition is the vision of celebrated British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, whose bold ambition to reclaim magic permeates every choice in this monumental show.

Kirsty meets Cathie Pilkington, the new Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools, to learn about the plans afoot for the country's most prestigious art college, while Brenda investigates an intriguing act of censorship from the 1770s in the early days of the RA.

The programme culminates with the Royal Academy's legendary Summer Exhibition Preview Party, with an exclusive musical performance from rising superstar Joy Crookes. Featuring work by major artists including Gary Hume, Angela de la Cruz, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin, this is the story of the country's favourite exhibition.

59 minutes

Clip

Music Played

  • La Roux

    In For The Kill

  • Massive Attack

    Karmacoma

  • Goldfrapp

    Felt Mountain

  • Fela Kuti

    Gentleman

  • Vladimir Golschmann, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Glenn Gould

    II. Largo

  • Four Tet

    Planet

  • Cut Copy

    Lights & Music

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Brenda Emmanus
Presenter Kirsty Wark
Director John O'Rourke
Producer John O'Rourke
Editor Cassie Durham
Executive Producer Tanya Hudson

Broadcast