Royal College of Art welcomes new President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Christoph Lindner

Professor Lindner formally took up his position today (Monday 8 April 2024) after being appointed in November 2023. He also holds the title of Professor of Visual Culture.

He is an interdisciplinary scholar of cities and visual culture, and has over 20 years of experience at public research universities in the United States, Europe, and the UK. His leadership work has focused on advancing educational access and equity, intercultural understanding, and environmental sustainability in the art and design fields.

Professor Lindner joins the RCA from his role as Dean of the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College London. Before joining UCL, he served as Dean of the College of Design at the University of Oregon and, prior to that, Professor of Media and Culture at the University of Amsterdam. During his time at Amsterdam, he created and led the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Analysis, co-founded the Amsterdam Centre for Globalization Studies, and directed the Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis.

He has been a visiting professor at New York University, The New School, University of California-Berkeley, University of Edinburgh, University of Freiburg, Queen Mary University of London, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the University of London Institute in Paris.

He is a Trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum, general editor of the Cities and Cultures book series at Amsterdam University Press, editorial board member of Places Journal, and a member of the international advisory board of Aarhus University’s Faculty of Arts in Denmark.

Professor Lindner grew up in France and Switzerland and completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author or editor of 15 books in the fields of art, architecture, media and cultural studies, and urban geography.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, RCA Pro-Chancellor and Chair, said: “The role of Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art is one of the most exciting in the creative sector, and I am delighted that Professor Lindner has joined us to drive the continued success of the RCA. His international standing, his breadth of experience across art, architecture and design and his understanding of interdisciplinary teaching and research all bring a great deal to this role, and the Council and I look forward to working with him at the forefront of art and design education.”

Professor Christoph Lindner, President and Vice-Chancellor, added: “I am excited and honoured to be joining the Royal College of Art as President and Vice-Chancellor. The chance to work with so many of the world’s most talented students, academics, and researchers is a special privilege. As a global leader in art and design, the RCA has a unique ability to use creativity in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.”

Professor Lindner succeeds Dr Paul Thompson, who has served since 2009.