The Â鶹ÊÓƵ today announced the appointment of Jane Fletcher as Director of Open Â鶹ÊÓƵ, a new department dedicated to radically expanding access to the study and appreciation of art, through bold and innovative approaches to lifelong learning.ÌýÌý
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ was recently recognised as the world’s leading institution for the study of History of Art in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This new department will build on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s distinguished university-level courses and public gallery, and deliver an ambitious programme of short courses, schools’ outreach, and global public engagement. Ìý
Jane joins the Â鶹ÊÓƵ on 5 May 2026 from her current role as a consultant advising leading cultural, media, and not-for-profit organisations on new product development, audience growth, digital transformation and revenue generation. Jane was previously Acting Digital Director at the National Theatre, where she led the operational and commercial delivery of its digital products, including National Theatre at Home and NT Live. She was formerly Director of Product Management and Director of Consumer Communications at Sky and Controller of Press and Publicity at Channel 4.Ìý
Set to launch in October 2027, Open Â鶹ÊÓƵ will ensure that everyone – from primary age pupils to adults learning art for the first time – can explore, understand, and think differently about art, benefiting from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s world-renowned scholarship and expertise.Ìý
OpenÌýÂ鶹ÊÓƵ forms part of the wider transformation of ³Ù³ó±ðÌýinstitution, including the development ofÌýaÌýnew world-class campus at Somerset House,Ìýscheduled toÌýopen in 2029.ÌýThis major milestone in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s history will see a transformation and expansion of its historic Grade I listed building in the North Wing of Somerset House. The campus willÌýincludeÌýflexible, modern teaching spaces, a new lecture theatre,Ìýa spectacular library within Somerset House’s historic subterraneanÌývaultsÌýandÌýthe creation of two new galleries dedicated to contemporary art.Ìý
Professor Mark Hallett, Märit Rausing Director atÌýthe Â鶹ÊÓƵ,Ìýsaid:Ìý“IÌýam thrilled to welcome JaneÌýFletcherÌýas our firstÌýDirector ofÌýOpen Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Jane’sÌýunique mix ofÌýexpertiseÌýwill be invaluableÌýin supporting our ambition toÌýtransform access to art historyÌýand becomeÌýthe world’s leading centre for lifelong learning in the visual arts, for people of all ages and backgrounds.â€Ìý
Jane FletcherÌýsaid:Ìý“I believe Open Â鶹ÊÓƵ has the potential to become the embodiment of Samuel Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s founding principle of ‘Art for All’ and am excited to lead its launch. I look forward to building something with lasting value for everyone, regardless of age, financialÌýstatusÌýor location and at a time when visual literacy and the study and understanding of art and human creativity have never felt more important.â€ÌýÌý
