Dundee artists hold top positions at Royal Scottish Academy

Gareth Fisher, a retired sculpture Professor from the University, takes up the Academy’s highest honorary position as President while lecturer Delia Baillie becomes Treasurer. Edward Summerton, who is a Senior Lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone, was appointed Secretary of the Academy earlier this year.

As an independent, membership-led organisation, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) is governed by its 120 Academicians who are all preeminent in the disciplines of art and architecture. The Academy runs a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and events, and cares for a nationally recognised collection. In 2026 the RSA will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Professor Fisher is known as one of Scotland’s most acclaimed contemporary artists and has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally throughout his career.

In the early 1980s he was appointed lecturer at DJCAD and held the position of Head of Undergraduate Studies in Fine Art, ultimately becoming a Professor of Sculpture. In 2003 he was elected an Associate of the RSA before becoming a full academician in 2006, playing an important role in various RSA committees and serving as Treasurer from 2013 to 2016.

“I am honoured to have been elected President of the Royal Scottish Academy at an important time in its history as we approach the 200th anniversary of the organisation,” said Professor Fisher. “Over the next three years I look forward to progressing the Academy’s work in exhibitions, education, residencies and supporting the membership with fresh thinking and innovation.”

Delia is a renowned painter and lecturer. She has been the recipient of several high-profile residencies and bursaries, including the RSA John Kinross Scholarship and the Alastair Salvesen Travelling Scholarship. Delia is the first woman to be appointed Treasurer at RSA.

She said, “Becoming Treasurer is a significant opportunity. I’m looking forward to contributing to the progression of the RSA and gaining a deeper understanding of the various creative communities and contexts that the Academy supports. The annual programme of activities has seen a considerable expansion in the last 20 years as the role that the Academy plays in Scotland continues to evolve. There is much work to be done.”

Alongside his role as Senior Lecturer in Art and Media at DJCAD, Edward is an artist working in a variety of media including painting, photography, sound and installation work. His work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions worldwide.

“It is an incredible opportunity to be representing this unique artist and architect led organisation at senior level,” said Edward. “The next few years will be particularly exciting, running up to celebrating the 200th anniversary of the RSA with a programme of exhibitions, education, lectures, studio visits, scholarships, publications, awards and bursaries, which support so many artists and architects and offer an insight into the remarkable works of both current and historic membership.”

Image credits - In collage, left and centre images should be credited to Julie Howden, courtesy of the Royal Scottish Academy