In a significant shift for the arts sector, Dawn Airey has been appointed the new chair of Arts Council England, set to commence her four-year term on 1 August 2026. Airey succeeds Sir Nicholas Serota, whose nearly decade-long leadership will conclude at the end of July. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the arts community, as the government pushes for broader access to culture and creativity across the nation.
A Leader with Experience and Vision
Dawn Airey brings to the role a wealth of experience drawn from over thirty years in the media and creative industries. Her illustrious career includes stints as chief executive of Channel 5, managing director of channels at Sky, and leading global content at ITV. Furthermore, she has served as senior vice president for Yahoo! in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and from 2015 to 2018, she was the chief executive of Getty Images. Her broad portfolio reveals a deep understanding of the intricacies of the arts and media landscape.
In welcoming Airey, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, expressed her enthusiasm for this appointment. “She will take the helm at this incredibly important time,” Nandy stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to making the arts accessible to all. “Dawn brings not only a diverse slate of experiences but also a fervent passion for the transformative power of the arts in this country.”
Acknowledging the Legacy of Sir Nicholas Serota
Airey’s appointment follows the notable tenure of Sir Nicholas Serota, who has been credited with guiding Arts Council England through tumultuous times, including the pandemic and evolving cultural engagement patterns. Reflecting on his time in office, Serota called it a “great honour” and praised the resilience of the arts sector. He remarked, “Through significant change and uncertainty, the creativity, resilience, and ambition of the sector have been extraordinary.”
Serota’s leadership saw him champion access and excellence in the arts, and his departure marks the end of an era. “In Dawn, the Arts Council will have a leader who understands the unique role the arts play in society and the profound impact they have on individuals,” he noted. This sentiment resonates with those who hope to see a continuation of Serota’s legacy in Airey’s leadership.
Airey’s Vision for the Future
Upon her appointment, Airey expressed her excitement to lead Arts Council England, paying tribute to Serota’s impactful leadership. She articulated a vision for a future where the arts are not just preserved but flourish, stating, “The importance of the Arts Council in championing art and culture has never been more needed. The sector has never been more vital to our nation.”
Airey highlighted the urgent need for the Council to adapt in a rapidly changing world dominated by technology and artificial intelligence. “Human connection, experience, imagination, and creativity are the quintessential elements of a life well lived,” she remarked. Her call for a fairer distribution of resources within the arts is a crucial aspect of her mandate, informed by a recent independent review of the Council’s operations.
In addition to her new role, Airey currently chairs the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, and she has been appointed chancellor of Edge Hill University. Her accolades include a CBE for services to theatre and charity, positioning her as a respected figure in the arts community.
The Path Ahead
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, echoed the optimism surrounding Airey’s leadership, noting that her experience across various sectors will be invaluable. He stated that her role will be pivotal in the next chapter for the organisation, ensuring that England offers a fair spread of cultural excellence to all.
Nandy also extended her gratitude to Serota for his unwavering support for artists during difficult times, including funding cuts and the pandemic. “We owe him our gratitude,” she concluded, acknowledging the challenges he faced.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Dawn Airey as chair of Arts Council England signals a renewed commitment to fostering creativity and accessibility in the arts at a time when cultural engagement is more crucial than ever. With her extensive background and fresh vision, Airey is poised to lead pivotal changes that can redefine the landscape of the arts in the UK. As society grapples with the implications of technological advancement and social change, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and inclusive pillar of British culture.