Members of the Royal Academy of Art are attributing the institution’s financial troubles to itself through angry feedback forms that harshly criticize the situation.
London
gallery’s ‘
woke
agenda.’
The art institution
announced redundancies last month
And nearly one-fifth of RA employees are anticipated to be laid off as the organization battles to remain financially solvent.
The visitor feedback forms, obtained solely by the Mail on Sunday, indicate that a group of irate members, referred to as ‘Friends of the RA,’ have decided against coming back because of what they perceive as ‘politically correct’ artwork.
A discontented ‘Friend’ penned an extensive letter to the Piccadilly establishment: “Dear RA, I noticed in the media reports that the RA is experiencing financial losses and anticipates additional job cuts.”
‘Might I propose that there could be some aspect of “go woke, go broke” at play?’
‘I was once part of the friend circle, but I opted out due to what appeared to be an excessive focus on DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion].’
Consider bringing back exhibitions focused solely on the caliber of the artwork. Audiences are unlikely to attend merely for moralizing lectures.
The overall attendance at the RA has decreased by 40 percent, falling from approximately 1 million visitors prior to COVID-19 to around 600,000 visitors after the pandemic.
As per internal documents reviewed by the Mail earlier this month, merely one-fifth of those who were previously culturally active before COVID-19 have returned.
The definition for the term ‘older people’ does not have specific age limits.
A representative from the RA mentioned that this change is due to ‘rising expenses and evolving visitor habits.’
Nevertheless, visitors claim that the art gallery itself is to blame for its declining attendance.
One submitted a forcefully articulated complaint: “Given that you’re part of the Royal Academy, I expected your mission, ambition, and vision would be to provide visitors with an encounter focused on both excellence and education.”
This is what I wish to witness. Not the detestable, repulsive, deceitful, entitled, and misguided woke ideology that appears to please you, causing you to forfeit all credibility.
A fellow member commented: “I haven’t attended an exhibit for more than twelve months now, and this made me consider stopping my membership.”
‘I will maintain an open mindset until my membership expires in spring – stop attempting to appear so WOKE – it doesn’t suit you.’
Since 2018, the RA has fluctuated between profitability and losses, having incurred a deficit of £2.74 million that year and a subsequent deficit of £2 million in the following year.
The gallery received nearly £5 million in funding spread across three successive years following 2020 through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which kept it operational.
Other grievances expressed by guests involved accusations of ‘virtue signaling’ due to requests for visitors to participate in recycling efforts, as well as feelings of ‘disappointment’ regarding the Royal Academy building hoisting a Pride flag.
As stated by a visitor, “There’s no need to be politically aware to draw in viewers.”
The Royal Academy has been contacted for remarks.
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