British artist Rebecca Salter was announced the next president of the Royal Academy, becoming the first woman to be given the role in its 251-year history. Salter takes over from fellow artist Christopher Le Brun who stepped down as president in September after eight years. In a press statement, she said: ‘This is a tremendously exciting time to become President following the recent 250th anniversary expansion. I look forward to working with my fellow Academicians, our staff and our many supporters to help the RA to evolve while keeping art, architecture and debate at the heart of what we do.’
Salter has been involved with the RA for a number of years, beginning in 2014 when she was selected to be a royal academician. In 2017 she became keeper of the Royal Academy, a position she will hold until the election of her successor in 2020.
12 December 2019
