Arts Council England, the national development agency for culture and creativity, has announced eight new appointments to its South West Area Council, including Councillor Julie Jones-Evans from the Isle of Wight council.
The South West Area Council serves a critical role in shaping the Arts Council’s decisions and underpinning the cultural and creative landscape of the region. The new appointments will commence their roles from September.
Members drawn from various fields
The members of the Area Council are sourced from both the creative and cultural sector and local government. They include industry professionals such as creatives, arts administrators and creative practitioners, and elected local government members.
Their specialised expertise and local knowledge enable them to make informed decisions for the Arts Council, thereby promoting the importance of creativity and culture within the region.
Jones-Evans: Thrilled to have been selected
Among the new appointees to the area council is Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, an independent representative and portfolio holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure on the Isle of Wight council.
Councillor Jones-Evans told News OnTheWight,
“I’m thrilled to have been selected through the recruitment process to serve as a local authority representative on this body.
“The current journey we as an island are on, championing and delivering diverse cultural activities was an important factor in their decision.”
She also sits on the Local Government Association (LGA) Culture, Tourism and Sport Committee.
Jones-Evans’ key role on Isle of Wight council
Councillor Jones-Evans’ prominent role on the Isle of Wight council and her affiliation with the LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport Committee have equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the region’s cultural and creative needs.
Councillor Jones-Evans went on to explain,
“We know the incredible value the creative sector has in delivering socio-economic improvement and ensuring investment keeps coming will be an important part of the the SW Region Council’s role, delivering the ‘Let’s Create’ strategy.”
Her wealth of experience will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to the South West Area Council.
A commitment to the ‘Let’s Create’ vision
In line with the ‘Let’s Create’ vision, the council’s ultimate goal for 2023 is to foster a country that values the creativity of all those living within it and provides ample opportunities for such creativity to thrive.
They aspire to ensure everyone has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences.
Diverse and skilled additions to the council
The other local authority members joining the council include Steve Pitt from Portsmouth City Council, Jemima Laing from Plymouth City Council, and John Beesley, a councillor for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
In addition to these local authority members, the council will also gain four individuals from the creative and cultural sector.
Their roles and the future
These newly appointed members will join the existing council, which comprises Louise Mitchell CBE, Shahina Johnson MBE, and Bambo Soyinka.
The collective aim is to ensure the equitable and effective investment of public funds across the nation. They are responsible for decisions on applications to the National Portfolio, which receives regular funding on a three-to-four-year cycle.
Gratitude to outgoing members
The Arts Council expressed gratitude towards the five departing members for their dedication and contribution to culture and creativity during their terms.
These members served the council during some of the most challenging years.
Final thoughts from council leaders
Helen Birchenough, South West Chair and National Council Member, Arts Council South West, said,
“I am delighted to welcome eight brilliant new members to the South West council team. They join us from all corners of our region, from Cornwall to North Devon, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Swindon, and Aldershot; this includes a number of Priority Places.
“They also bring terrific breadth and depth of expertise across art forms, including performance, Mela, community arts and museums. I am excited to get our new team together for our first meeting in September and to get started.”
Gibby: A brilliant selection of candidates
Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council South West, added,
“We’re thrilled to appoint these new members to the South West Area Council. They will help us to play a pivotal role in the creative and cultural ecology of the region, and we’re excited to be working with such a fantastic cohort of new members.
“We were overwhelmed with a brilliant selection of candidates, and the appointed encompass a rich range of disciplines and experience that will bring fresh valuable insights from our sector and from local Government.
“We look forward to the work we will do over the coming years in delivering Let’s Create.”
