03 September 2009
New Area Director appointed for the Midlands and South West
Arts Council England announced the members of its new Executive Board – the streamlined national leadership team that will lead the re-structured organisation from April 2010. The Area Director responsible for this region will be Laura Dyer, current Executive Director for the East Midlands region.
The nine-strong team is led by Chief Executive Alan Davey and consists of four National and four Area Executive Directors. They are:
- Alison Cole – Executive Director, Communications
- Laura Dyer – Area Executive Director Midlands and South West
- Althea Efunshile – Chief Operating Officer
- Anupam Ganguli – Executive Director Resources
- Andrew Nairne – Executive Director Arts
- Moira Sinclair – Area Executive Director London
- Andrea Stark – Area Executive Director East and South East
- To be announced – Area Executive Director North
Laura Dyer, the new Area Director, said:
“I am very pleased and excited to have been appointed as the Area Executive Director for Midlands and the South West and look forward to taking up my post in September.
“I know that the next 6 months, and indeed beyond, are going to be challenging times for us all but I am also confident that the passion, commitment and energy of staff and the arts community will help to make this a success. I am particularly looking forward to meeting and working with all of my colleagues in the West Midlands and South West and familiarising myself with all of the successful artists, arts organisations and partnerships in those regions.”
Sally Luton, Regional Executive Director in the West Midlands has decided to pursue new challenges outside of the organisation. Sally will continue in her role as Executive Director for the West Midlands office, as well as leading various areas of national work until March 2010. Sally is looking forward to opportunity to work with Laura Dyer, introducing her to the wealth of artistic talent in the West Midlands.
Sally Luton, Regional Executive Director of Arts Council England, West Midlands said:
“After 23 years in the arts funding system, I have decided it’s time to step down and pursue a new direction. I have had an amazing time and it’s been a privilege to work with so many talented individuals and organisations on a daily basis. I’m delighted to welcome Laura Dyer to the region as Area Executive Director for the Midlands and South West and feel confident that the arts infra-structure in the West Midlands will continue to thrive under her leadership.”
For more information about the Arts Council England: www.artscouncil.org.uk