Eight new members of ACE’s South West Area Council

Eight people will join Arts Council England's (ACE) South West Area Council in September.

The new members will aim to foster growth in the region's cultural and creative sectors, influence Arts Council's decision making, promote equitable investment of public funds, and improve access to cultural experiences across the country.

Local authority member STEVE PITT is among those appointed. Pitt is Leader of Portsmouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Culture Leisure and Economic Development. Previously, he ran an independent music venue and worked as a manager in the music industry. 

Other local authority members include Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Culture and Events JEMIMA LAING, portfolio holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure on Isle of Wight Council JULIE JONES-EVANS, and JOHN BEESLEY, councillor for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. 

Appointed from the creative and cultural sectors are actor, director and Co-founder of Rushmoor’s performing arts company Nutkhut AJAY CHHABRA, and freelance artist RILEY MATHERS. 

Alongside them, Director of Devon’s rural arts organisation Beaford Arts MARK WALLACE, and Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Finance Officer of Hall for Cornwall JULIE CAPLIN-GREY, will also become members.  

“This was an opportunity I leapt at: the chance to support and promote our region’s brilliant creative engine,” Caplin-Grey said. 

“As we reflect on COVID, come to terms with cost-of-living and look to the future, I’m exciting to join the team who’ll shape and nurture that mission as we continue to invest in the UK’s thriving creative industries.”

“The appointed encompass a rich range of disciplines and experience that will bring fresh valuable insights from our sector and from local Government,” Area Director for Arts Council South West PHIL GIBBY added.

“We look forward to the work we will do over the coming years in delivering Let's Create.”