David Lister joined The Independent at its founding in 1986. He was Assistant Home Editor before becoming the paper’s arts correspondent and then arts editor. He was also arts commentator and columnist. His writing on cultural matters included campaigns for a better deal for audiences in the arts, cheaper tickets and an end to booking fees. His successful campaign to remove parked cars from the courtyards of cultural buildings opened up new spaces at the British Museum, Royal Academy and other arts institutions. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.