The Courtauld (Institute of Art & Gallery)

An Interview with Rebecca Salter, PRA

The interview centers on Rebecca Salter, the Royal Academy’s first female president, and her perspective on the institution’s evolution. Elected by her fellow academicians in 2019, Salter balances a governance‑heavy role—chairing council and general assembly—with relentless fundraising and crisis management, especially during COVID‑induced financial losses. Salter highlights the Academy’s historic gender imbalance, noting that only two women were founding members in 1768 and the next female academician arrived in 1936. In the past decade, women now form the majority of new electees, and the body has broadened to include print‑makers and other disciplines, reflecting a more diverse membership. International outreach remains a priority, though Brexit has complicated visa processes for EU students, threatening the Academy’s long‑standing global character. The summer exhibition, a cornerstone of the Academy’s funding, retains its core mission while embracing modern practices. Approximately 18,000 works are submitted digitally, judged anonymously, and narrowed to about 1,800 for display. The exhibition now mixes media—painting, sculpture, architecture—often pairing works across disciplines, a departure from the rigid room allocations of the past. These shifts underscore the Academy’s attempt to honor tradition while adapting to contemporary expectations of inclusivity, transparency, and financial sustainability. For artists, patrons, and cultural policymakers, the changes signal a more democratic platform and a resilient institution navigating post‑pandemic and post‑Brexit challenges.