The Royal Academy of Arts has unveiled a major artistic partnership for one of its flagship events. Acclaimed artists Tacita Dean and Ceal Floyer have been appointed as the co-ordinators for the RA's 2026 Summer Exhibition. This announcement sets the stage for a highly anticipated edition of the world's oldest open-submission art show.
A Visionary Duo Takes the Helm
The selection of Dean and Floyer marks a significant moment for the exhibition. Both artists are celebrated for their meticulous, conceptually rich practices, though they work in distinctly different mediums. Tacita Dean is renowned globally for her work in film, drawing, and photography, often exploring themes of memory, history, and the nature of the analogue image. Ceal Floyer, a Turner Prize nominee, is known for her precise and often witty installations, sculptures, and sound works that play with perception and the everyday.
Their joint leadership suggests the 2026 exhibition will move away from a purely decorative or thematic hang towards a more intellectually rigorous and cohesive presentation. The RA stated the pair were chosen for their "rigorous conceptual approach" and their ability to create "unexpected dialogues" between artworks. This follows a recent trend of appointing leading contemporary artists, rather than architects, to oversee the sprawling show.
Building on a Legacy of Artist-Led Curation
The Summer Exhibition, an annual event since 1769, is a unique spectacle, filling the RA's main galleries with thousands of works. The role of the co-ordinator is pivotal, influencing the selection, layout, and overall feel of the show. Recent years have seen successful iterations led by artists like Yinka Shonibare and the late Bill Jacklin.
Dean and Floyer are expected to bring a fresh, critical eye to the process. Their collaborative approach will likely focus on creating meaningful connections between the diverse submitted works, from established Royal Academicians to complete unknowns. The exhibition is scheduled to run from June to August 2026, giving the duo ample time to develop their curatorial vision for the iconic galleries on Piccadilly.
Anticipating a Concept-Driven Showcase
Art commentators are already speculating on the potential direction of the 2026 exhibition. Given Dean's profound engagement with the materiality of film and Floyer's deft manipulation of objects and sound, the show may place a strong emphasis on process, material, and careful observation. It promises to be a thoughtful counterpoint to the often chaotic and densely packed nature of previous Summer Exhibitions.
This appointment reinforces the Royal Academy's commitment to keeping its Summer Exhibition relevant and dynamic within the contemporary London art scene. By entrusting the vision to two such respected and conceptually sharp artists, the RA is signalling a desire for depth and dialogue amidst the traditional summer crowd-pleaser. The art world will be watching closely as Dean and Floyer begin their work on this colossal undertaking.
