Statement Regarding the Flowing Civilisation Exhibition and the Suspension of RCACSSA

Over the last few months the RCASU (Royal College of Art Students’ Union) was made aware of incorrect information circulating about the Flowing Civilisation exhibition as well as receiving concerns about the nature and management of the event. The SU has run an investigation into the event and is working with those who organised the event to rectify the issues emerging from it. As part of the next steps the RCASU wishes to clarify important information about the event.

In summary: This event was not an RCASU event, was not organised or approved by SU staff or officers, was done outside of usual SU processes as was primarily organised by two non-students who had no approved or formal role in an RCASU society. The SU will send recommendations to those who organised the event on how to rectify the issues from the event, although as non-students the SU’s suggestions are not enforceable.

Update: Organisers have been contacted and have agreed to apologise for the issues caused and communications are ongoing as to further steps.
 

Further Details
 

1. The relationship between RCACSSA and RCASU

The Royal College of Art Chinese Students and Scholars Association (RCACSSA) is a student society registered under the Royal College of Art Students' Union (RCASU).

Zhuoqi Liu (who publicly used the title "President of RCACSSA") and Boran Zhang (who publicly used the title "Head of External Relations") ceased to be members of RCACSSA on 8 September 2025. Neither of them has appeared on the official RCASU society register since that date nor is a member of the society

Therefore, any activities, statements or projects carried out by them after 8 September 2025 were done without the approval or knowledge of the students union.

2. About the Flowing Civilisation Exhibition

The Flowing Civilisation exhibition was led and organised predominantly by Boran Zhang and Zhuoqi Liu.

As Zhuoqi Liu and Boran Zhang were no longer members of RCACSSA after 8 September 2025, and as the exhibition was not organised, authorised or supported by RCACSSA or RCASU, it was not an official RCACSSA or RCASU event. The organisers are solely responsible for the planning, organisation, operation and management of the exhibition.

We understand that some RCA students took part as volunteers. After reviewing the situation, we found that these students mainly provided practical support and were not involved in the overall planning, decision-making or management of the exhibition. Some of them also helped deal with problems after issues arose during the event.

RCASU also wishes to make it clear that neither RCASU nor the elected Students' Union President had any role in the organisation, operation, management, refund arrangements or any other handling of this exhibition.

3. Suspension of RCACSSA

While reviewing this matter, RCASU also reviewed the operation of RCACSSA.

During this review, RCASU found that the society had a number of management and governance issues which did not meet the requirements for registered student societies. These issues are separate from the question of whether the Flowing Civilisation exhibition was an official RCACSSA event.

To protect students' interests and improve the management of student societies, RCASU has decided to suspend the operation of RCACSSA while further review and necessary improvements take place.

New processes to ensure the society is better supported and has more transparent governance processes in place are being implemented for the new academic year. 

4. RCASU's Position

RCASU supports responsible and high-quality artistic practice. We respect artists, exhibitors and members of the public, and we value the reputation of the Royal College of Art.

Every year, RCA students organise many excellent exhibitions, degree shows, markets and public events. We warmly welcome everyone to continue supporting official RCA student activities.

5. Next Steps

The RCA SU has taken various steps internally to ensure the society in question and other societies are better supported to raise concerns and to have more transparent governance structures going forward. The RCASU is also communicating with the non-student event organisers to recommend a course of action going forward.

6. Use of the RCACSSA Name and Titles

Several concerns have been raised about non-students continuing to represent themselves as members of the RCACSSA. The RCACSSA is a student society in which only current students at the RCA can be members or hold positions. Anyone who is concerned about non-students representing themselves as members of a society should contact the students union to let us know as soon as possible.

Organisers and exhibitors will be contacted separately about next steps and SU recommendations.

Royal College of Art Students' Union (RCASU)