The Royal Academy of Arts has announced the appointment of Helen Legg as its new Artistic Director, marking a significant leadership shift for one of the UK’s most influential cultural institutions.
Currently Director of Tate Liverpool, Legg will take up the role in June 2026, overseeing the Royal Academy’s exhibition programme, collection and public programme. Her appointment brings a curatorial background shaped across institutions including Ikon Gallery in Birmingham and Spike Island in Bristol, where she served as Director before moving to Tate Liverpool in 2018.
During her tenure in Liverpool, Legg has led an ambitious programme of international exhibitions and commissions, helping to reposition the gallery within a global contemporary context.
Her arrival at the Royal Academy coincides with two further senior appointments. Livia Evans joins as Commercial Director, bringing experience from The John Lewis Partnership, while Lamia Dabboussy takes on the role of Director of Brand & Audiences, joining from the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Rebecca Salter, President of the Royal Academy, said:
“We are delighted about these exciting new appointments. The Royal Academicians and Council are confident they will build on and deliver the important work for which the Royal Academy is internationally renowned. We greatly look forward to welcoming them in June.”
Simon Wallis, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy, added:
“Helen is the ideal person for the role of Artistic Director at the RA. She is highly respected in the art world and has a proven track record in delivering exceptional exhibitions. I’m also delighted by the Senior Leadership appointments of Lamia Dabboussy as Director of Brand & Audiences and Livia Evans as Commercial Director. Their vision, energy and experience make them the perfect fit for the RA.”
Legg described the role as a unique opportunity to engage with the institution’s distinctive structure and history.
“I’m thrilled to be appointed Artistic Director at the Royal Academy. The RA is led by leading artists and architects, with the UK’s oldest – and crucially free – art school at its heart. The opportunity to shape the RA’s artistic programme and respond to its extraordinary gallery spaces, as well as launching the expanded Collection Gallery, is tremendously exciting.”
Her appointment comes at a moment of continued evolution for the Royal Academy, as it looks to balance its historic identity with a forward-looking exhibition programme.
About
Helen Legg was appointed Director of Tate Liverpool in 2018. During her tenure, Tate Liverpool has evolved to more closely mirror the city and its myriad histories, using Tate’s international reputation and outstanding collection to place the city at the centre of an outward-looking artistic programme. She has led a major capital project to transform the gallery’s Grade 1 listed building, which will reopen in 2027. In addition to running the gallery, she oversaw Tate’s national partnerships and served as
Chair of Royal Albert Dock.
Prior to arriving at Tate, Legg was director of Spike Island, Bristol (2010-2018), a gallery and studio complex with a programme focused on emerging and under-recognised artists. She previously worked as a curator at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham (2005-2010), where she was heavily involved in the development of Ikon Eastside, a second gallery and events space based in a former factory building in Digbeth, an industrial area of the city.
Legg has been part of selection committees for British and Scottish representation at the Venice Biennale, and has been a judge for the Turner Prize, the Contemporary Art Society’s Museums Award, the Hepworth Prize for Sculpture, the Jerwood Drawing Prize and the Paul Hamlyn Artist’s Awards.
She gained an MA in History of Art from the University of St Andrews in 1996, followed by an MA in Curating & Commissioning Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art. She completed the Chief Executive Programme of National Art Strategies, hosted by Harvard Business School and Michigan Business School, in April 2015
Livia Evans brings over a decade of senior commercial leadership experience from The John Lewis Partnership. She is experienced in driving revenue and profit improvement across retail, hospitality, and service industries within brand and values-led organisations.
Most recently, she served as Head of Customer Experience and Operations at The John Lewis Partnership – Build to Rent. Before this, she delivered significant growth in John Lewis service and commercial divisions.
Lamia Dabboussy is currently Director of Engagement at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, leading audience development, marketing and communications, visitor experience, events, creative education, access and design. She has a track record of delivering strategic transformation, innovation and broad public participation across arts, culture and media.
Previously, Lamia held senior roles at the BBC, delivering award-winning content and digital innovation while expanding outreach and audience impact.
