ACW confirms new appointments with restructure ‘already underway’

As Arts Council Wales (ACW) moves forward with its restructuring, it has announced some of the new faces joining its senior team.

Strategic project manager HANNAH RAYBOULD will join ACW as deputy director of equalities and partnerships.

Previously, she was the operations manager and senior corporate operations executive at TV production company Bad Wolf, and a BAFTA Cymru board member for four years before becoming director for six.

Arts and health consultant ROSIE DOW will become ACW’s head of arts, health and wellbeing.

She has worked with the National Arts in Hospitals Network and NHS Charities Together as the evaluation lead on Our National Health Stories, and has supported the senior leadership team at Breath Arts Health Research in strategy.

Arts charity director HANNAH JENKINS will step in as head of young people and skills.

Jenkins directs Community Music Wales, a charity dedicated to providing a range of opportunities for participatory activities, training and mentoring, using music as a primary tool of engagement.

Two current portfolio managers will move into new roles, with LISA MATTHEW-JONES becoming deputy director of arts and LOUISE WRIGHT head of visual and applied arts.

The staffing changes are a result of feedback from the sector, asking for “a more art form-led approach with easier access to specific expertise and information when needed”.

The executive leadership team, DAFYDD RHYS, CATRYN RAMASUT and LORNA VIRGO said they were “excited” that the restructure was “already underway”.

They anticipate completing the recruitment process, which is still seeking a head of dance, head of theatre, head of performing arts and touring, and head of music, by January next year.

They said: “We’re excited to welcome individuals whose breadth and depth of experience will help shape the future of the arts in Wales.”

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to colleagues who will be moving on at the end of the year for their continued support in helping ensure a smooth transition,” they added.