Newlyn Art Gallery refreshes board leadership in ‘important moment of transition’

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange has announced changes to its board leadership at its 50th annual general meeting (AGM), welcoming a new chair, secretary, vice-chair alongside new trustees.

Curator and artist ASHISH GHADIALI will step in as chair, taking over from MIRANDA BIRD who has completed the maximum number of terms.

In an announcement, the Cornwall-based gallery described Bird as a “guiding light” whose “ability to balance big-picture vision with a grounded community-centred approach” had made a “profound difference”.

Ghadiali is the founder and director of artist-led studio Radical Ecology and has expertise in public programming.

Describing the appointment as “an honour”, Ghadiali said: “I hope I can bring a fresh perspective to the work ahead, and I’m very much looking forward to supporting the gallery as we move into this next chapter together.”

Textile artist and lawyer OLGA OWCZAREK will take on the role of secretary, bringing experience in international law and human rights.

Owczarek is succeeding NEIL SCOTT who helped establish the gallery’s ‘Green Team’ and led on sustainable practice.

Joining the leadership team, creative director JULIA TWOMLOW will become vice-chair of the board, bringing a background in heritage and strategic leadership.

Twomlow is chief executive of the PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications and has led museum transformation projects.

Three new trustees will also be joining the board, including curator GILES JACKSON, art teacher AMY GREEN and PR and communications specialist SAM TRENERRY.

Speaking after the AGM, the gallery’s director JAMES GREEN thanked those departing for their service and welcomed the new board members.

“Together, their collective experience in curation, community, education, environmental justice, legal governance, and communications will help guide Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange into a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable future,” he said.

“We look forward to working alongside them and exploring new horizons.”