LONDON.- The Royal Academy of Arts will host Premiums in the Sackler Wing of Galleries this spring and will feature the work of 17 students. The annual exhibition comprises contemporary artwork by second year students studying at the Royal Academy Schools. Premiums provides an excellent opportunity to view new work by emerging artists at the interim point of their 3 year course. Works in the exhibition will include painting, sculpture, video and photography.

The RA Schools offer students the opportunity to develop their ideas and working practices on a unique three-year postgraduate course. Attracting applicants from across the UK and Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, the exhibiting students reflect the international reputation of the Schools and the creativity of its artists. With a total of 60 places available, the Schools offer a wide range of opportunities including tutorials and lectures given by leading figures in the art world, including the Royal Academicians.

Works in the exhibition are for sale and prices start from around £250. Artworks sold directly support the development of the students and the production of new work.

• The following students are exhibiting in the show: Michael Armitage, Christopher Baker, Carina Brand, Fahd Burki, Rachael Champion, Matthew Coombes, Peter Ian Donaldson, Dzenana Hozic, Maria Hogbacke, Dunstan James, John Lawrence, Juliette Losq, Sarah Poots, Hannah Sawtell, Katharina Stoever, Jonathan Trayte, Maciej Urbanek and Craig Wilson.

• The Schools have been an integral part of the Royal Academy of Arts since its foundation in 1768. Past students of the RA Schools include JMW Turner, William Blake and John Constable. More recent alumni include John Hoyland, Anthony Caro, Paul Huxley, Sandra Blow, Veronica Smirnoff, Angus Sanders-Dunnaehie, Lucy Williams, amongst many others.

• The works in Premiums 09 will include those produced in the EPSON Digital Media Suite, opened in October 2003. This space offers students the opportunity to experiment with equipment at the forefront of digital technology. Students can now create images and print them in a variety of ways, including on canvas, film and textiles. These latest methods open up new areas of creativity and innovation for the students studying at the RA Schools.