Berwick Partners Leading Artistic Director Search for the Royal Academy of Arts
April 8, 2025 – Birmingham, England-based Berwick Partners, a division of Odgers Berndtson, was recently retained by the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) to lead in its search for an artistic director. The process is being handled by Sarah Lowndes Jones and William Pringle. The artistic director will lead the artistic vision and direction of the RA, shaping its exhibitions, programming, and cultural initiatives to maintain and enhance its position as a world-leading institution in the arts. They will lead the artistic vision and direction of the RA, shaping its exhibitions, programming, and cultural initiatives.
The artistic director will develop a creative vision and artistic program that attracts a broad and diverse audience and drives significant commercial success. They will represent the RA as a spokesperson and advocate for the arts, engaging with media, donors, and the wider public. The artistic director will collaborate with artists, architects, curators, and stakeholders to deliver high-profile, innovative, and thought-provoking exhibitions and programs. In addition, they will forge and maintain strategic partnerships with international institutions, artists, architects, collectors, galleries, and cultural organizations globally.
Candidates should possess a master’s degree in fine arts, art history, arts administration, or a related field (or have equivalent experience). They must demonstrate a proven track record of leadership within a major art institution, museum, or cultural organization. Candidates should have strong curatorial expertise, with a deep understanding of art history, contemporary art, and emerging trends. A strategic vision and the ability to engage stakeholders in delivering that vision are essential. The role requires a strong commercial mindset, experience managing complex budgets, and a history of securing funding for artistic initiatives. Proven leadership abilities in building and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams are vital, along with being a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.
“This is an opportunity to join our talented team at a critical moment of transition as we embark on a new strategy – including delivering world class programming, maximizing the huge potential of our unique estate, and ensuring our long-term commercial success – and as we launch a new leadership structure,” said Rebecca Salter, president of the Royal Academy of Arts. “Bringing extensive professional networks and personal credibility, this is a truly unique opportunity to shape the RA’s creative direction, to work with our exceptional community of Royal Academicians, to show bold vision and innovative leadership.”
The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is one of the most prestigious and historic art institutions in the United Kingdom. Located in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London, the RA is an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects known as Royal Academicians. Its core mission is to promote the creation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and debate. The Academy is renowned for hosting world-class exhibitions—ranging from historic retrospectives to cutting-edge contemporary showcases—and for its annual Summer Exhibition, the world’s longest-running open-submission art show.
Finding Senior Leaders
Odgers Berndtson delivers executive search, leadership assessment, and development strategies to organizations globally. The firm’s 250-plus partners cover more than 50 sectors and operate out of 59 offices in 29 countries.
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Berwick Partners focuses on senior management search and selection, with offices across Birmingham, Leeds, London, and Manchester. Its private sector clients range from multinational and listed organizations to regional and privately held SMEs and start-ups. In the public and not-for-profit sectors, the firm works with the largest central government departments down through regional NHS Trusts, educational institutions and small charities and trade associations.
Ms. Lowndes Jones is head of the not-for-profit practice, based in London. She specializes in appointments at board and senior executive level across the not-for-profit sector in the U.K. and internationally. Ms. Lowndes Jones leads on international development and NGO recruitment. She has worked exclusively with the not-for-profit sector throughout her career and collaborates with colleagues across sectors to ensure access to top senior talent.
Mr. Pringle is partner and head of the charity, arts, culture, and heritage practice at Berwick Partners. He is an integral part of the Berwick Leadership team and holds the position of head of the London office. With over a decade of dedication to the firm since joining in 2008, Mr. Pringle has carved a niche in identifying and securing senior talent for leading not-for-profit organizations.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
