Dawn Airey, a seasoned figure in the media landscape, has been appointed as the new chair of Arts Council England, stepping into the role on 1 August 2026. She succeeds Sir Nicholas Serota, whose impactful nearly decade-long leadership will conclude at the end of July. The announcement, made by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, comes at a pivotal time for the arts sector, which faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities.
A Vision for the Arts
With over thirty years in the creative and media industries, Airey brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Her previous roles include chief executive of Channel 5 and managing director at Sky and ITV, alongside key positions at Yahoo! and Getty Images. Nandy expressed her enthusiasm for Airey’s appointment, highlighting the urgent need for a leader who understands the transformative power of the arts.
“She will take the helm at this incredibly important time, as this Government seeks to unlock access to exceptional arts for everyone, everywhere,” Nandy remarked, underlining Airey’s commitment to making the arts accessible to all.
In a statement reflecting on her new role, Airey noted the critical importance of the Arts Council in championing artistic expression during a time when the sector’s relevance has never been more pronounced. “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 stated. With a mandate shaped by a recent independent review, she intends to push for rapid, transparent support for the arts, ensuring a fairer distribution of resources across the sector.
A Legacy of Leadership
Airey’s predecessor, Sir Nicholas Serota, has left an indelible mark on Arts Council England. His tenure has not been without its trials, navigating the organisation through a global pandemic, economic turbulence, and evolving cultural engagement patterns. Reflecting on his time in office, Serota described it as a “great honour,” acknowledging the extraordinary creativity and resilience displayed by the sector in challenging times.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, praised Serota’s leadership while expressing optimism for the future under Airey’s guidance. “We’ll benefit from her wealth of experience across the arts, media and sport,” Henley asserted, emphasising that Airey will act as a catalyst for change, advocating for artists and cultural organisations alike.
A Broader Impact
Beyond her new role, Airey has been actively involved in various artistic initiatives. She currently chairs the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, and has held leadership roles in women’s sports, serving as chair of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship board. Her contributions to the arts and charity were recognised in the 2024 Birthday Honours, where she was appointed a CBE.
As Airey prepares to take the reins, her vision for Arts Council England promises to be both ambitious and inclusive, aimed at nurturing artistic excellence across the nation.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Dawn Airey as chair of Arts Council England marks a significant moment in the evolution of the arts in the UK. As the sector grapples with the repercussions of funding cuts and a shifting cultural landscape, Airey’s leadership could signal a renewed commitment to making art accessible and relevant for all citizens. Her focus on human creativity and connection is vital, particularly in a time when digital distractions often overshadow the profound impact of the arts on community and individual well-being. As she steps into this influential role, the expectation is clear: to champion the arts with the urgency and transparency that today’s climate demands.
