About the Academy

The South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts is a registered charity based in Sidmouth Devon dedicated to advancing the creation and appreciation of art in the South West. Its core membership , the Academicians are excellent practitioners with varied practices, backgrounds and styles. 

The Academy works to contribute to the cultural life of the region through an annual calendar of exhibitions and events which includes the Open Exhibition that invites entries from regional, national and international artists to exhibit alongside Academicians’ work. The Open Exhibition also features the Young Artists Award, part of the Academy’s ongoing programme of work with schools and young people.

The work of the Academy is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and practical and financial support from the Friends  of the Academy.

If would like to become a Friend of the Academy, you can find out more information or if you are interested in volunteering for an event please email:

You can find out more about the history and mission of the Academy on the Academy History Page - and browse recent events on our news page.