Welcoming the new President of the Academicians Hamish Young
We are pleased to welcome Hamish Young as the new President of the Academicians. Elected by the body of up to 150 leading artists, Hamish will serve in this key leadership position for a period of up to six years.
The President and the Academician body form a critical part of the RWA’s collaborative leadership structure, working closely with the Board of Trustees (led by Chair George Ferguson) and the Executive Team (led by Director Ren Renwick) to drive the Academy forward.
“As peer-elected artists of professional standing... we are entrusted not only with upholding artistic excellence but with shaping a culture that is inclusive, progressive and deeply engaged” Hamish Young PRWA
Hamish Young is both a practising artist and a highly experienced artist educator, bringing over twenty years of experience leading visual arts curriculum in Secondary schools. His leadership and practice are deeply informed by his lived experience as an adoptee, which drives his passionate focus on the transformative power of art to foster belonging.
As President, his vision is clear: to ensure the RWA is “a place where excellence and generosity go hand in hand, and where our legacy is as future-facing as it is grounded in tradition,” making sure artists feel heard, seen, and celebrated. He is committed to addressing barriers and to have a membership that reflects the city and wider world.
Hamish embarks on the Presidency at a moment of significant strength for the RWA, following the revitalisation of its historic building, a thriving program and a renewed energy to deliver an ambitious strategy. His leadership will play a vital role in driving the RWA's ambitious five-year plans, ensuring the Academy continues to serve its artists and its community with excellence.
As part of the election process for President, candidates publish a statement of intent. This serves as their proposal for how they would deliver the role of President. You can read Hamish Young’s full statement here.
To find out more about the body of Academicians, click here.