WeTransfer is championing great art and bringing it to a wider audience in a collaboration with London's famous Royal Academy art gallery.

In a project via Uncommon Creative Studio, the file transfer service has digitized 1,172 works of art from the Royal Academy's summer exhibition, which had been delayed due the pandemic and is now running from October through January. With the pandemic meaning that fewer people than usual can see the artworks in person, the goal is to bring them to a wider audience. 

The images will be featured on WeTransfer's fullscreen background images or "wallpapers," which users see as they click on the file transfer button. The works are showcased using a "Lucky Dip" format, with a dynamic grid reflecting the actual walls of the Royal Academy. With every click, new artwork is revealed and the wallpaper automatically adjusts its dimensions to match the piece.

WePresent, the editorial arm of WeTransfer, will also spotlight commentary from curators so viewers can learn more about the artists, themes, and ideas behind each piece of work.

“The Summer Exhibition has been running for over 250 years. It has opened its doors through wars, revolutions and recessions," said Nils Leonard, co-founder at Uncommon, who is also an Advisory Board Member at the Royal Academy of Arts. "We’re proud to collaborate with WeTransfer and the Royal Academy to digitize every piece in this iconic exhibition in its first digital partnership, continuing to bring art to millions despite the pandemic. Art is hope, it’s the best of us, and there’s never been a more important time to celebrate that.”