Royal Society of Arts including Cheere and William Hogarth, or were involved in small-scale private art academies, such as the St Martin's Lane Academy. Although Cheere's attempt failed, the eventual charter, called an 'Instrument', used to establish the Royal Academy of Arts over a decade later was almost identical to that drawn up by Cheere and the RSA in 1755. The RSA also hosted the first "exhibition of contemporary art" in 1760. Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds were among those who exhibited at this first exhibition, and were subsequently founder members of The Royal Academy of Arts in 1768. The Society was a pioneer
Royal Ulster Academy 132nd annual exhibition, held at the Ulster Museum in Belfast “The Kiss” by artist Paul Walls was not displayed following discussions between the museum and the academy. The decision was made as the subject matter, two women kissing, was deemed inappropriate for school visitors. A petition was organised on “change.org”. Royal Ulster Academy The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) has existed in one form or another since 1879. It started life then, as The Belfast Ramblers' Sketching Club. In 1890 it became The Belfast Art Society; later in 1930 it was changed to "The Ulster Academy of Arts" and Sir John