Contemporary Art Summer School

Royal College of Art

The interactive online Contemporary Art Summer School, led by performance artist and academic researcher Dr Despina Zacharopoulou since 2017, examines the rich array of positions, methods and materials that artists use, as well as exploring the questions raised by contemporary art and its production.

This three-week, online, practice-led short course provides a supportive environment for self-led independent practice and introduces participants to the study of contemporary art within the academic environment of the Royal College of Art.

Taught by RCA staff and supported by a broad range of prominent artists, academics, critics and curators, the course provides participants with the opportunity to develop their individual practice within an interdisciplinary, collaborative atmosphere.

The theme of the 2026 summer school is ‘What is at Stake?’, and explores urgency, drive and the making of sense in contemporary art practice.

Contributors and tutors for the 2026 programme are to be confirmed