Jacqui Gavin joins Anvil Arts in the new role of deputy chief executive

Changing Faces

Anvil Arts appoints deputy chief executive in leadership expansion

Arts Professional
2 min read

Anvil Arts has welcomed JACQUI GAVIN as its first deputy chief executive.

The Basingstoke-based charity is Hampshire’s largest performing arts organisation, running three town centre venues: The Anvil, The Forge and The Haymarket.

The creation of the new role marks the expansion of the charity’s senior leadership team, as it seeks to further develop its programming, increase its community impact and attract investment.

Gavin has over 17 years of experience working in the arts, culture and charitable sectors and joins Anvil Arts from WaterAid, where she was special events manager, managing its festivals programme – most recently at Glastonbury.

She has also worked as operations and services manager at Bristol’s Spike Island, and was a senior producer at Coventry’s City of Culture trust.

Gavin said: “I am delighted to join the team at Anvil Arts… I am looking forward to bringing a range of experiences and expanding the opportunities to delight the diverse audiences at our venues and within our communities.”

Anvil Arts chief executive MATTHEW CLEAVER added: “Jacqui’s appointment comes at a key moment for us. Whilst the sector continues to battle an incredibly tough climate, Anvil Arts is growing its audiences, bringing new visitors into the town and ensuring Basingstoke punches above its weight for its cultural offering.

“Jacqui’s extensive experience and creative energy will be invaluable as we continue to expand our artistic vision and community programmes and seek new income and funding streams to support our long-term resilience.”