Royal Academy Names Co-Chairs for 2026 Summer Exhibition Preview Party

The Royal Academy of Arts has revealed the co-chairs for its Preview Party for the Summer Exhibition, set for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This event is a prominent fixture in London's cultural scene, uniting personalities from art, music, film, and fashion. This year’s co-chairs are composer Anoushka Shankar, actor Archie Madekwe, Frieze's EMEA Director Eva Langret, Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, and Laura Weir, CEO of the British Fashion Council. Clara Amfo takes on the new position of inaugural Music Curator, managing the evening’s DJs and live acts. Attendees will have the first chance to buy works from the 258th Summer Exhibition, which runs from June 16 to August 23, 2026, and supports the Royal Academy and its Schools. The exhibition, themed "Interconnectedness," is organized by artist Ryan Gander, with a committee led by Rebecca Salter and including Royal Academicians such as Eileen Cooper and Michael Craig-Martin. This edition celebrates 20 years of sponsorship from Insight Investment, with The House of Creed sponsoring the Preview Party.