THE ARTS University Bournemouth has installed its first ever chancellor.

Sir Christopher Frayling, former rector of the Royal College of Art and chair of the Arts Council England, was installed into the role at a ceremony at St James church in Poole.

The appointment follows the institution’s successful conversion to university status back in December 2012.

Following the ceremony, Mr Frayling, who was awarded his knighthood in 2001 for services to art and design education, said he was delighted to take up the position.

“I am truly delighted to have been selected and installed as the first chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth,” he said.

“I believe passionately in what the university stands for — the best in art and design education, the importance of learning through ‘making’ and ‘doing’ as well as reading, the increasing significance of the creative industries to the British economy and society, the concept of a university centred on the practical arts.

“So I shall look forward to being an ambassador for the university and shouting its achievements from as many rooftops as I can find.”

The ceremony included a procession of 300 dignitaries, academics and senior members of the university staff led by the chairman Roger Laughton, CBE, and vice-chancellor and principal professor Stuart Bartholomew, CBE.

Mr Bartholomew said staff and students were honoured to welcome Mr Frayling to the university.

He added: “Sir Christopher has had a distinguished career as former rector of the Royal College of Art and chair of the Arts Council England. He has been a champion of specialist education in the arts and has done much to promote the relationship between specialist institutions of art and design and the creative industries.

“The academic community of staff and students look forward to the advocacy which Sir Christopher will provide and which will naturally extend beyond ceremonial duties.”