In a significant shift for the arts landscape, Dawn Airey has been appointed as the new chair of Arts Council England, set to begin her term on August 1. With over 30 years in the media and creative industries, Airey succeeds Sir Nicholas Serota, who has led the council since 2017 and will step down at the end of July. This transition comes at a critical juncture for the arts sector, where accessibility and support for creative endeavours are more crucial than ever.
A Seasoned Leader Steps In
Dawn Airey arrives with an impressive resume, having held pivotal roles across broadcasting and the arts. Her previous positions include chief executive of Channel 5 and managing director at both ITV and Sky. Her extensive experience also spans global content management at Yahoo! and leadership at Getty Images, where she served as chief executive from 2015 to 2018. Beyond her corporate roles, Airey is currently the chair of the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, and has been involved with the Barclays FA Women’s Super League board since 2019.
In her response to the appointment, Airey expressed her gratitude and commitment to the role, stating, “I am thrilled and humbled to succeed the arts titan that is Sir Nicholas Serota.” She acknowledged the pressing need for the Arts Council to champion artistic excellence, especially in today’s rapidly changing world. “The importance of the Arts Council in championing art and culture has never been more needed because the sector has never been more vital to our nation,” she remarked, emphasising the transformative power of the arts in fostering community and creativity.
A Legacy of Leadership
Sir Nicholas Serota, whose tenure will conclude sooner than expected, reflected on the significant changes the Arts Council has navigated under his leadership, including a global pandemic and economic challenges. He noted the resilience of the arts sector and expressed confidence in Airey’s ability to lead effectively. “In Dawn, the Arts Council will have a leader who understands the unique role the arts play in society,” he stated, highlighting her readiness to carry forward the council’s mission.
Darren Henley, the chief executive of Arts Council England, praised Serota’s “outstanding leadership” and welcomed Airey’s arrival. Henley conveyed optimism about the future, asserting that Airey’s wealth of experience will be instrumental in championing the value of arts and culture across England. “From day one, she’ll be a catalyst for change helping us in the next stage of our journey,” he said.
Navigating Challenges Ahead
The arts sector faces numerous challenges, including funding cuts and shifting public engagement. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, expressed her enthusiasm for Airey’s appointment, recognising the urgent need for accessibility in the arts. “Dawn brings more than just a wide range of experience… she brings a passion for what the arts can do for this country and all the people in it,” Nandy stated. Her comments reflect a broader governmental push to ensure that the arts are accessible to all, irrespective of geographical or social barriers.
The transition comes at a time when the arts are grappling with the repercussions of Brexit and the impact of recent educational reforms that have downgraded arts subjects in schools. Nandy acknowledged the complexity of the current landscape and the critical role the Arts Council plays in navigating these turbulent waters.
Why it Matters
Dawn Airey’s appointment heralds a pivotal moment for Arts Council England and the broader cultural landscape in the UK. As she steps into this influential role, the expectations are high for her to drive initiatives that foster inclusivity and innovation in the arts. With a commitment to ensuring that artistic experiences are available to all, Airey has the potential to reshape how the arts are perceived and funded in Britain. In an era where technology and automation increasingly dominate, her leadership could serve as a beacon for the essential human connection that art fosters—a reminder that creativity remains a vital thread in the fabric of society.
