The Courtauld 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.
The Courtauld was recently recognised as the world51ݶ leading institution for the study of History of Art in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This new department will build on the Courtauld51ݶ distinguished university-level courses and public gallery, and deliver an ambitious programme of short courses, schools’ outreach, and global public engagement.
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.
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 Courtauld51ݶ world-renowned scholarship and expertise.
OpenCourtauld forms part of the wider transformation of ٳinstitution, including the development ofanew world-class campus at Somerset House,scheduled toopen in 2029.This major milestone in the Courtauld51ݶ history will see a transformation and expansion of its historic Grade I listed building in the North Wing of Somerset House. The campus willincludeflexible, modern teaching spaces, a new lecture theatre,a spectacular library within Somerset House51ݶ historic subterraneanvaultsandthe creation of two new galleries dedicated to contemporary art.
Professor Mark Hallett, Märit Rausing Director atthe Courtauld,said:“Iam thrilled to welcome JaneFletcheras our firstDirector ofOpen Courtauld. Jane51ݶunique mix ofexpertisewill be invaluablein supporting our ambition totransform access to art historyand becomethe world51ݶ leading centre for lifelong learning in the visual arts, for people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Jane Fletchersaid:“I believe Open Courtauld has the potential to become the embodiment of Samuel Courtauld51ݶ 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, financialstatusor location and at a time when visual literacy and the study and understanding of art and human creativity have never felt more important.”
