Joyce W. Cairns PRSA has been elected President of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture.
- The renowned Scottish painter took up office after Arthur Watson PPRSA came to the end of his six-year presidency.
- Cairns is the first woman to hold the position in the history of the academy.
- The painter Robbie Bushe RSA was elected to the position of Secretary following the sculptor Marion Smith RSA.
- Photo call: 6 December, 1pm, Royal Scottish Academy Building.

At an assembly of Academicians, Joyce W. Cairns was elected President. Cairns is the first woman to be elected to the position in the 192-year history of the RSA.

Born in Edinburgh, Cairns studied painting at Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen (1966-71), and at the Royal College of Art, London (1971-74). Following a fellowship at Gloucester College of Art and Design she studied at Goldsmiths College, University of London. In 1976 she returned to Aberdeen to teach Drawing and Painting at Gray’s School of Art until 2004 when she left to complete a substantial body of work culminating in the exhibition War Tourist at Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Elected an Associate of the Academy (ARSA) in 1985 and Academician (RSA) in 1998, Cairns has contributed to the achievements of the academy in recent years, serving on committees and aiding the implementation of change seen during the presidencies of Ian McKenzie Smith PPRSA, Bill Scott PRSA (1935-2012), and, most recently, Arthur Watson PPRSA. Cairns brings her wide-reaching experience as an exhibitor, teacher and promoter of the visual arts to her new position and promises to maintain the high standards established by her recent predecessors and upheld under the directorship of Colin Greenslade. She henceforth takes up the post-nominal letters ‘PRSA’.

Concurrent with Cairns’ election, Robbie Bushe RSA was elected Secretary. Born in Liverpool and brought up in Aberdeenshire, Bushe studied painting at Edinburgh College of Art (1985-90) and has taught painting at various institutions around the UK. Well known for his narrative paintings, Bushe has previously served as President of Visual Arts Scotland and brings a wealth of experience in arts administration to the RSA.

Joyce Cairns PRSA says: “As a teenager, instead of going dancing, I would spend my meagre pocket money to view the Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition; little did I imagine that one day I would end up as the President. I am very honoured that the people I most respect and admire – my fellow Academicians – have seen fit to elect me as their President. I will do my best to be worthy of their trust. Arthur Watson PPRSA has been an exceptional, dedicated and perceptive President and is a hard act to follow.”

Colin Greenslade, Director of the Royal Scottish Academy, says: "The Royal Scottish Academy has its foot in three centuries of Scottish art practice. Our historical and contemporary collections form a Recognised Collection of Significance by the Scottish Government and have full accreditation from Museums Galleries Scotland. Our artist programmes and outreach initiatives support artists and venues across the length and breadth of Scotland and our international travel and research awards afford artists and architects the opportunity to engage with the wider world. As an independent, self-financing institution, the academy is, and always has been, run by the academicians through the committee structures. The helm has always been held by an eminent practitioner in their field and it is most fitting that Joyce W Cairns PRSA takes over this role, making history as the first female RSA President.

Joyce W. Cairns PRSA has a long and illustrious career in art. As a painter she is at the top of her game with significant exhibitions and accolades to her name. As a lecturer at Gray’s School of Art she nurtured and supported the burgeoning careers of many young artists, many of whom have gone on to great acclaim themselves. She has been a long-time member of the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour. She has recently been made an Honorary Member of the Royal Society of British Artists and was the first female President of Aberdeen Artists Society. Joyce is the 22nd President to hold office at the academy."

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photo Call
6 December, 1pm, Royal Scottish Academy Building
Joyce Cairns PRSA and Robbie Bushe RSA will be available for photographs.
Please contact Flora La Thangue for further information.

About the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture
The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture promotes excellence in contemporary art and architecture in Scotland. Led by eminent artists and architects, it supports the creation, understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibitions, artist opportunities and related educational talks and events. Re-establishing itself as a leading organisation for the visual arts in Scotland, it has successfully garnered a reputation for the strength of its engaging and diverse exhibitions and the fantastic opportunities it offers both established and emerging artists. The significant recent developments of the RSA have been documented in the recently published book, A Decade of Change (2003-2013). www.royalscottishacademy.org

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