The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Acclaimed artist is elected to lead Royal Scottish Academy
Acelebrated contemporary artist based in Dundee has been elected president of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture (RSA).
Professor Gareth Fisher PRSA, who taught at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, takes up the academy’s highest honorary position.
Interestingly, it means that all three honorary positions at the RSA are now held by Dundee-artists as Delia Baillie has been elected treasurer and Edward Summerton has been elected secretary.
Professor Fisher was elected president at an assembly of academicians.
He took up office on November 22 as Joyce W. Cairns PPRSA completed her four-year presidency.
Prof Fisher comes to the RSA with a wealth of experience in the visual arts and art education.
As a membership-led organisation, the RSA is governed by its 120 academics who are all preeminent in the disciplines of art and architecture.
In 2026, the RSA will celebrate its 200th anniversary with an expansive programme of exhibitions and events highlighting both the historic and continued importance of the academy in the culture of the country.
Born in the Lake District town of Keswick in 1951, Gareth Fisher attended Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) from 1969 to 1976.
After his undergraduate degree, he won two sequential postgraduate years followed by a travelling scholarship to New York.
On completion of his studies, he taught at ECA while continuing with his own practice.
Prof Fisher has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, including major solo exhibitions at Mercer Union, Toronto; Abbot Hall, Kendal and Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh.
Additionally, he was included in significant group shows in Artists Space, New York in 1979, the British Art Show in 1986 and “Scatter” at CCA Glasgow in 1989.
In the 1970s, he sat on the board of the innovative New 57 Gallery, becoming its chairman in 1978.
In the early 1980s, Fisher was appointed lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee.
He was head of undergraduate studies in fine art, ultimately becoming professor of sculpture.
In 2003, Prof Fisher was elected an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy.
Becoming a full academician in 2006, he has played an important role in various RSA committees and was treasurer from 2013 to 2016.
Concurrent with Prof Fisher’s election, Delia Baillie RSA
becomes treasurer of the academy.
Ms Baillie is a renowned painter and lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.
She has been the recipient of several highprofile residencies and bursaries including the
RSA John Kinross Scholarship and the Alastair Salvesen Travelling Scholarship.
Earlier this year Edward Summerton RSA was appointed secretary of the academy.
Mr Summerton is an artist working in a variety of media including painting, photography, sound and installation work.
He is senior lecturer in art and media at Duncan of Jordanstone and his work has been exhibited in exhibitions worldwide.
Prof Fisher said: “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.
“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.”