Artist selected alongside Danish contemporary Per Kirkeby

The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) has elected Ai Weiwei as an honorary member on the eve of its annual Summer Exhibition.

The dissident Chinese artist, best known in architectural circles for his work on the Bird’s Nest stadium, was elected along with Danish artist Per Kirkeby.

Ai’s work has been widely exhibited internationally, including recent solo shows at the Tate Modern and a public installation called Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, which is currently showing in New York and at Somerset House in London.

Honorary Academicians are distinguished artists who are not resident in the UK. They do not take part in the governance of the RA and do not have voting rights. A maximum of two per year may be appointed by the RAs.