RCA Secret facebook page

The college have set up an RCA Secret facebook page featuring news and some good photos of last years show, with a few characters I recognise. Go here to become a fan.

Short article in Vogue Online

A short article appeared in Vogue Online about the 2009 sale today. It doesn't say much but is the first press coverage I am aware of. Click here to read it.

RCA Secret 2009 dates announced

The college has now announced the dates for the 2009 sale. The Exhibition will run from 13 to 20 November 2009 with the sale on 21 November 2009. There has been no increase in price in the cost of the postcards (£40) and there will be a raffle again for the top 50 places. I'm excited already.

Here is the text of the press release from the college

GRAB AN ART BARGAIN AT RCA SECRET 2009

13 - 21 November 2009

Where can you buy an original piece of art by the likes of Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry and Yoko Ono for just £40? At RCA Secret 2009.

RCA Secret is an annual contemporary art exhibition and sale consisting of around 2,500 original postcard-sized artworks, made and donated by professional artists, designers and illustrators, plus up-and-coming students from the Royal College of Art. The cards are all sold to the public in a huge sale, with every postcard costing just £40, regardless of whether it has been made by a famous name or a young art student.

What’s the Secret? Each postcard is signed on the back, so buyers don’t know the identity of the artist until they have made their purchase. Although it can help if you know the difference between a David Hockney and a Peter Blake, a lot of it is down to pure luck and many buyers don’t realise whose work they have chosen until they hand over their cash.

The RCA is grateful to receive enormous support from hundreds of leading international artists and designers who contribute to the event each year. Last year’s sale saw the most cards received in its 15 year history with 2,700 including contributions from Yoko Ono, Paula Rego, Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, Olafur Eliasson, David Bailey, fashion designer Paul Smith, Stone Roses guitarist John Squire and animator Nick Park to name just a few.

Potential buyers will be able to view all the postcards in person at the RCA in London or on-line at www.rca.ac.uk/secret from 13-21 November. All postcards go up for sale on Saturday 21 November at the RCA. Postcards can only be bought on a first come, first served basis, with no sealed bids or reservations in advance. There will also be a raffle for buyers to win a position in the first fifty places in the queue.

As well as being a fundraiser for the Fine Art students at the College, RCA Secret has a loyal following of supporters including regular collectors and art-lovers some of whom have been visiting the show since it began in 1994. It is not only one of the most popular events at the RCA, but has now become an established date in the British art calendar.

As in previous years all monies raised goes to the Royal College of Art Fine Art Student Award Fund. To date, sales of postcards have raised over £1 million for the Fund, helping hundreds of emerging artists at a formative stage in their careers.

RCA Secret 2009

Location: Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU

Viewing Days: 13 - 20 November, 11am - 6pm daily.

Sale Day: 21 November, from 8am.

Public information: 020 7590 4186 or here

Tube: South Kensington/High Street Kensington

Buses: 9,10, 52, 452