In a significant shift for the arts landscape, media stalwart Dawn Airey has been appointed as the new chair of Arts Council England. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in broadcasting and the creative industries, Airey steps into her role on 1 August, succeeding Sir Nicholas Serota, whose tenure has spanned nearly a decade and will conclude at the end of July.
A Vision for the Future
The announcement, made by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, highlights the urgency of the moment. Nandy expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Dawn brings not just a diverse background in broadcasting, theatre, and the arts, but also a deep-seated passion for the transformative power of culture.” Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as the government aims to ensure that exceptional art is accessible to all.
Airey herself responded to the news with a mixture of excitement and humility, acknowledging the legacy of Sir Nicholas Serota. “It is an honour to succeed the arts titan that is Sir Nicholas Serota,” she remarked, praising his “magnificently and courageously chaired” leadership. Her focus is clear; she believes that the Arts Council must play a vital role in championing the arts at a time when they are more essential than ever.
A Distinguished Career
Dawn Airey’s professional journey is nothing short of remarkable. As the former chief executive of Channel 5, she was instrumental in shaping the channel’s programming strategy. Her extensive portfolio includes high-profile roles such as managing director at Sky, overseeing global content at ITV, and serving as senior vice president for Yahoo! across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Most recently, she was chief executive of Getty Images from 2015 to 2018.
Her breadth of experience extends beyond traditional media; Airey is also the chair of the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+. She has held significant positions in women’s sports governance, chairing the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship board since 2019. In recognition of her contributions to theatre and charity, she was awarded a CBE in the 2024 Birthday Honours.
Sir Nicholas Serota’s Legacy
As Airey prepares to take the reins, Sir Nicholas Serota reflects on his tenure with pride. “It has been a great honour to lead the Arts Council through a decade of significant change,” he stated, noting the challenges posed by the pandemic, economic shifts, and evolving cultural engagement. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to fostering creativity amidst uncertainty, and he expressed confidence in Airey’s capability to build on this legacy.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, praised Serota’s guidance and expressed optimism for the future under Airey. “We will benefit from her wealth of experience across the arts, media, and sport,” he stated, underscoring the need for a leader who understands the unique societal role of the arts.
A Call for Change
Airey’s vision for Arts Council England is ambitious. She emphasised the need for a transparent and equitable approach to funding and support, stating, “The Arts Council has a clear new mandate… to do more to support, nurture, and protect the arts.” In an era where technology and automation are becoming increasingly dominant, she highlighted the irreplaceable value of human creativity and imagination. “They are the quintessential elements of a creative life and of a life well lived,” she affirmed.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Airey is determined to ensure that artistic excellence is accessible to all, regardless of location or background. Her commitment to inclusivity will be paramount in her leadership, as she aims to galvanise support for the arts across the country.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Dawn Airey as chair of Arts Council England signals a critical juncture for the arts sector in the UK. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a global pandemic and economic challenges, her leadership could herald a renewed focus on accessibility and support for the arts. In an age where creativity often feels overshadowed by technological advances, Airey’s vision underscores the fundamental importance of the arts as a unifying force, capable of enriching lives and communities. Her stewardship may well determine the future landscape of culture in England, making this appointment one to watch closely.
