The Academy opened its new galleries at 1 Queens Wharf in February 2000. The new address has dramatically increased visitor numbers and not making a charge for admission has consolidated this. Making quality art works accessible to the general public has paid off with a generally high level of sales. Lots of happy customers and lots of happy artists. The galleries continue to attract positive and enthusiastic comments from all who visit them and there is no shortage of community arts groups, business groups, and artists lining up to hire them. All this along with the Academy’s regular eight exhibitions per year programme is helping to keep the doors open as much as possible.
Since opening, members and visitors have enjoyed a variety of exhibition experiences, a trend that will continue with bookings confirmed for 2001 and beyond. The Academy relies on its members’ subscriptions and commission on artworks to fund its operation.