Independent Arts, the Island-wide arts for wellbeing charity, elected Jacquie Heany as its new chair of trustees at its AGM last week.
Jacquie, former director of people and business excellence for leading international children’s charity World Vision UK, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Trustee since January
Jacquie joined the trustee board in January 2022, having moved to the Island the previous year.
She takes over as chair of trustees from Wendy Varley, who has been at the helm since 2011, and will support chief executive Lisa Gagliani MBE and the Independent Arts staff team as they continue to expand and grow the charity.
Of the appointment, Jacquie Heany says,
“I became aware of the work of Independent Arts soon after moving to the island. I was inspired by the many and varied ways in which the arts are used to improve the well-being of islanders of all ages.
“I was also impressed by the skills and commitment of all those delivering Independent Arts’ programmes.
“Listening to our clients, I know what a difference it makes to their lives. I feel privileged to be involved with this amazing charity and honoured to serve as chair of trustees.”
Other new trustees
Jacquie is one of three new trustees to have joined Independent Arts this year. The others are accountant Josie Pook, the charity’s new treasurer, and Graham Barnetson, chief financial officer at Red Funnel Group. The board consists of seven trustees, also known as senior volunteers.
The role of chair of trustees is to lead the senior volunteers who are also directors, in the strategic development of the charity. The board meets quarterly and is further supported in their decision-making by a new Finance and Resources committee, that Jacquie has helped to establish this year.
Since 2020 the charity has grown rapidly, expanding its services through the pandemic to support isolated residents of all ages with arts-based activities, taking on its flagship Creative Hub in Newport and introducing specific programmes aimed at young people.
35 years since the charity was started
Independent Arts now employs 13 staff and more than 40 freelance artists to work in care homes, schools, community settings and the Creative Hub. This year also marks 35 years since the charity was started on the Isle of Wight.
The charity held an outdoor social gathering after its AGM to thank Wendy and two other long-serving trustees, retired GP David McMullen and former treasurer Ben Rouse. All three were presented with gifts of ceramic dogs made by artist practitioner for the charity, Kirstie Hayler of Firestone Studios.
News shared by Peta on behalf of Independent Arts. Ed
