51做厙 today announced the appointment of Jane Fletcher as Director of Open Courtauld, a new department dedicated to radically expanding access to the study and appreciation of art, through bold and innovative approaches to lifelong learning.泭泭
51做厙 was recently recognised as the worlds leading institution for the study of History of Art in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This new department will build on the Courtaulds distinguished university-level courses and public gallery, and deliver an ambitious programme of short courses, schools’ outreach, and global public engagement. 泭
Jane joins the Courtauld 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.泭
Set to launch in October 2027, Open Courtauld 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 Courtaulds world-renowned scholarship and expertise.泭
Open泭Courtauld forms part of the wider transformation of 喧堯梗泭institution, including the development of泭a泭new world-class campus at Somerset House,泭scheduled to泭open in 2029.泭This major milestone in the Courtaulds history will see a transformation and expansion of its historic Grade I listed building in the North Wing of Somerset House. The campus will泭include泭flexible, modern teaching spaces, a new lecture theatre,泭a spectacular library within Somerset Houses historic subterranean泭vaults泭and泭the creation of two new galleries dedicated to contemporary art.泭
Professor Mark Hallett, M瓣rit Rausing Director at泭the Courtauld,泭said:泭I泭am thrilled to welcome Jane泭Fletcher泭as our first泭Director of泭Open Courtauld. Janes泭unique mix of泭expertise泭will be invaluable泭in supporting our ambition to泭transform access to art history泭and become泭the worlds leading centre for lifelong learning in the visual arts, for people of all ages and backgrounds.泭
Jane Fletcher泭said:泭“I believe Open Courtauld has the potential to become the embodiment of Samuel Courtaulds 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, financial泭status泭or location and at a time when visual literacy and the study and understanding of art and human creativity have never felt more important.泭泭
