Dawn Airey, an esteemed figure in the media and creative sectors, has been appointed as the new chair of Arts Council England, stepping into the role on 1 August 2026. This significant transition follows the nearly ten-year tenure of Sir Nicholas Serota, who has led the organisation through turbulent times. Airey’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for the arts, as the sector grapples with unprecedented challenges and seeks to redefine its place in society.
A Seasoned Leader for the Arts
With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Airey brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Her previous roles include chief executive of Channel 5, managing director at Sky and ITV, and senior vice president at Yahoo! for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Recently, she also held the role of chief executive at Getty Images from 2015 to 2018. Currently, she chairs the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, and she has been actively involved with the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship since 2019.
Airey’s extensive background in broadcasting and her commitment to the arts have positioned her as a formidable advocate for cultural access and diversity. In a statement, she expressed her excitement for the role, saying, “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.”
A Call for Equity in Cultural Access
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, welcomed Airey’s appointment with enthusiasm. “She will take the helm at this incredibly important time,” Nandy stated, emphasising the government’s ambition to enhance access to the arts for all citizens. “Dawn brings not just a wide range of experience across broadcasting, theatre, and the wider arts – she brings a passion for what the arts can do for this country and all the people in it.”
Airey’s vision for Arts Council England includes a renewed focus on ensuring that artistic excellence is available to everyone, regardless of location or background. “In a world where AI, technology and automation are increasingly dominant, human connection, experience, imagination, and creativity are the things that bring us together,” she articulated. Her commitment to transparency and equitable funding distribution underlines her intent to reshape the narrative surrounding arts funding in the UK.
Reflections from the Outgoing Chair
As Airey prepares to assume her new responsibilities, Sir Nicholas Serota, who has guided the Arts Council since February 2017, reflected on his decade-long service. He highlighted the extraordinary resilience and creativity of the arts sector during times of significant change, including a global pandemic and economic turmoil. “I am confident that, under her stewardship, the organisation will thrive and the sector will flourish,” he remarked, expressing faith in Airey’s leadership.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, praised Serota’s “outstanding leadership and guidance” while looking forward to the changes Airey will instigate. “From day one, she’ll be a catalyst for change helping us in the next stage of our journey championing the value of artists, arts organisations, museums, and libraries,” Henley stated.
A New Mandate for the Arts
Airey’s appointment is particularly timely as the arts face mounting pressures from funding cuts and a shifting political landscape. As she takes the reins, the Arts Council is expected to embody a new mandate informed by an independent review that emphasises support for artists and cultural organisations. The need for a fair and effective distribution of resources has never been more critical, especially in a climate where public and private funding for the arts is under scrutiny.
In her role, Airey will also confront the ongoing debate surrounding the value of the arts in education, as well as their role in fostering community and connection in a fragmented society. Her leadership will be pivotal in advocating for the arts as a fundamental aspect of national identity and social cohesion.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Dawn Airey as chair of Arts Council England is a pivotal moment for the cultural landscape of the UK. As the sector continues to navigate the repercussions of recent crises, Airey’s leadership will be crucial in steering the organisation towards inclusivity and resilience. By prioritising equitable access to the arts, she has the opportunity to redefine the narrative and ensure that the transformative power of culture is available to all. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the need for human expression, creativity, and connection is more urgent than ever, and Airey’s vision could help illuminate a path forward for the arts in Britain.
