The Island Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of the team that will take the organisation into the next stage of its development.
Having secured Arts Council investment for the next three years The Island Collection will be focused on developing and delivering a Cultural Strategy for the Island, championing our rich cultural heritage and creative ambitions, working with schools to increase creative opportunities, nurturing new creative talent, identifying ways for the heritage sector to collaborate and attracting new investment in culture and creativity for the Island.
Executive Director: Gavin Stride
The new team will be led by Gavin Stride as Executive Director. Gavin has a record as a leader of cultural organisations, most recently for Farnham Maltings, a nationally regarded arts and community centre which led the securing of World Craft City status for the town.
Whilst at the Maltings Gavin founded house, a 176-venue network across south-east England who programme and commission new work for the region and caravan, an international development programme for the independent theatre sector.
He is the chair of Wildworks and the Surrey Cultural Partnership, is a former chair of the Independent Theatre Council and was previously vice chair of Arts Council South-East.
Gavin said,
“I am delighted to be joining The Island Collection as it sets out on its journey to make real change to the cultural ecology of the Island.
“I have no doubt there will be challenges and we will need the support and encouragement from all those who care for the quality of life of this community.
“But I also believe it will be fun, that it is possible to make a difference and that now is a time for generosity, ambition and perhaps doing some things differently.”
Deputy Executive Director: Georgia Newman
Stepping into the role of Deputy Executive Director, Georgia Newman will continue to manage the innovative Isle of Wight Creative Network, which she has established over the past year, that will now come under the umbrella of The Island Collection.
Formerly, Georgia was the Visual Arts Manager for the Isle of Wight’s leading art centre, Quay Arts. She has also worked as an independent Cultural Consultant, Curator and Creative Producer in contemporary visual arts and the creative industries on the Isle of Wight. She is currently on the Steering Group for Visual Arts South West – advocating for more meaningful visual arts opportunities across the region.
Programme Manager: Claire Paul
The third member of the team is Claire Paul who will continue in her role as Programme Manager with the Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership, to deepen and develop further the relationship between educators and cultural organisations on the Island and grow a cross-arts curriculum that really meets the needs of our Island’s young people.
Should you wish to contact any of the team at The Island Collection to discuss our ambitions and work then email [email protected] and one of us will get back to you.
For more information, please visit the Website.
News shared by Georgia on behalf of The Island Collection. Ed
