As the British Academy launched their new Strategic Plan and prepared to reopen their flagship building after a major architectural redevelopment, we worked with them to ensure they were equipped to deliver on their strategic priority of ‘opening up’ the Academy.
We worked with the British Academy to refresh and extend its brand across every touchpoint – from a clarified proposition and visual identity to a suite of campaigns, environments, and digital communications. Marking the Academy’s reopening and renewed public-facing ambition, the brand became the central vehicle for change: one designed to open its work beyond academia while retaining the authority and rigour of one of the UK’s most respected institutions.
From heritage to relevance
At the heart of the transformation was a renewed proposition focused on championing the importance of knowledge for the world of tomorrow. Rooted in the Academy’s 120-year history, the brand reframes its role as both guardian of academic excellence and active contributor to solving the complex challenges facing society today. This clarity allowed the Academy to speak with confidence to broader audiences, without diluting its intellectual credibility.
Designing for openness and impact
We delivered a visual brand refresh that positions the British Academy for contemporary cultural, campaign, and digital spaces. The identity balances gravitas with approachability, equipping the organisation with flexible tools to communicate who they are, why their work matters, and how it connects to the wider world. Designed to flex across platforms, the brand supports everything from public programmes to policy-led communications.
A system that brings ideas to life
The refreshed brand system was applied across wayfinding, brand films, event identities – including the Summer Showcase – and policy reports, creating a coherent and expressive presence across physical and digital environments. Each touchpoint was reimagined to feel more open, human, and engaging, reinforcing the Academy’s ambition to inspire change through knowledge.
A platform for knowledge as public good
The result is a confident, future-facing brand that enables the British Academy to reach and engage audiences far beyond academia. By aligning heritage with contemporary expression, the new identity positions the Academy as a visible, relevant, and trusted voice – championing knowledge as a force for public good and long-term societal impact.
