Arts University Plymouth appoints creative arts champion as chair

Arts University Plymouth (AUP) has appointed executive consultant and producer RI CHAKRABORTY as the new chair designate of the board of governors, following a “competitive search process”.

With more than 30 years’ experience in higher education governance and the creative industries, Chakraborty will help the AUP board support “student success, research and knowledge exchange” as well as the university’s “civic impact across Plymouth and the wider South West”.

Currently chairing Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations such as The Space, Chakraborty is the former chair of Aakash Odedra Dance Company and served as an ambassador for the Digital Poverty Alliance from 2021-2025.

A fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, as an executive producer and commissioner, she delivered award-winning international documentaries, drama and animation, and had assessment and jury roles for the likes of the Venice Biennale and UK Research Institute’s Innovate UK.

Chakraborty will take over from four-year chair DR SUE BROWNLOW upon her retirement in 2026, after a structured handover.

She described it as a “great privilege” to take over from Brownlow, saying: “This university’s deep commitment other than outstanding student experience, creative innovation and civic impact resonates deeply with me.”

Brownlow said: “I am so pleased to be able to hand over the reins next summer to someone who so clearly shares our vision for specialist arts education.

“Ri brings real depth of experience in higher education and the creative industries, and I’m looking forward to us working together in the coming months as she gets to know AUP, the city and region better in preparation for taking over.

“We’ve been on an incredible journey over the last few years and I have great confidence that this upward trajectory will continue under her guidance.”