LONDON.- The Courtauld Institute of Art announces the appointment of Francesca Hewitt as its Director of Development, with a focus on leading the strategic fundraising campaign for The Courtauld’s most significant development in its history.

Francesca joins The Courtauld from her role as a Director of the Philanthropy Company where she was responsible for offering strategic fundraising advice and mentoring to a range of UK arts and heritage clients. Prior to this, she served as the Head of Development at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Oxford where she led the Museum’s fundraising team through one of the most ambitious and successful arts endowment campaigns: the £50 m Ashmolean Fund, as well as fundraising for many other key projects including a £1.65 m acquisition campaign, numerous capital projects, education, conservation and the Ashmolean’s world-class exhibitions programme. Her experience spans developing and growing Membership groups including Friends and Patrons, working with advisory and Trustee Boards, building individual and visitor giving streams, and raising major gifts from Trusts, Foundations, individuals and statutory funders.

Beyond the museums sector, Francesca has developed fundraising campaigns across the charity sector including as part of the £3 bn Oxford Thinking Campaign and at international and youth charities across the UK. This appointment comes at a key moment in the institution’s history, as it undergoes a major, multi-million-pound redevelopment. Courtauld Connects, supported by £9.4 m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and donations from generous philanthropic foundations and individual supporters, will make The Courtauld’s world-class artworks, research and teaching accessible to even more people, and includes the current extensive restoration of its Grade I listed building at Somerset House. The Gallery is set to reopen from spring 2021.

Francesca Hewitt, incoming Director of Development of The Courtauld, said: “It is a huge honour to become part of this prestigious institution at such a pivotal moment in its history. The Courtauld greatly deserves the generous philanthropic support it has attracted to date, and I very much look forward to developing all aspects of our fundraising to achieve the ambitious and inspiring goals of Courtauld Connects which still lie ahead. There could not be a more exciting time to join the exceptional team, and to drive forward this major transformation.” Professor Deborah Swallow, Märit Rausing Director of The Courtauld, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Francesca to The Courtauld, especially at such an important time in our history. Broad support from donors and our alumni around the world make The Courtauld unique. Francesca’s strategic vision will ensure that we continue to grow and develop our profile, and attract the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious plans for the future.”