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Niall Elected as a Royal Academician in the Category of Architecture

June 2019

The Royal Academy of Arts has elected Níall as a Royal Academician in the category of Architecture following a recent General Assembly. John Akomfrah was also elected as a Royal Academician in the category of Painting and in addition, international artists Kara Walker and Carmen Herrera have been elected as Honorary Royal Academicians.

The Royal Academy of Arts is governed by 80 Royal Academicians who are all practising artists or architects. On reaching the age of 75 they become Senior Academicians thus initiating vacancies for new Members. Elections are held at regular meetings of the General Assembly, when new Members are voted in by existing RAs.

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded by King George III in 1768. It has a unique position in being an inde-pendent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to be a clear, strong voice for art and artists. Its public programme promotes the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

Niall McLaughlin Gives Royal Gold Medal Speech for Herman Hertzberger

February 2012

Niall McLaughlin nominated Herman Hertzberger as the recipient of the 2012 Royal Gold Medal. At the award ceremony in London this month Niall delivered the formal citation for Herman Hertzberger on behalf of the honours committee.

“For Hertzberger inhabitation is the key….architects should be specialists in the daily life of people. This is done not by asking people what they want but by undertaking a rational observation of what they are.”

Link to the full recording of the speech