Susan Jones, who for 15 years was director of a-n The Artists Information Company, has been recognised for services to the arts in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. She receives an MBE.
Commenting on the honour, Jones said she was “touched by the generosity of my nominators”. She added that as well as personally being good news, it was also good news for a-n.
“Receiving this public acknowledgement for my role in the visual arts is important in a restless quest to raise the visibility of the many, many visual artists who look to a-n to get behind and respond to their professional needs and artistic aspirations,” she said.
“I was proud to have played a part in the early stages of the Paying Artists campaign, helping artists to shape the messages and make the case to funders, government and employers. For without artists there is no art.”
Jeanie Scott, a-n’s new director, said the MBE was a “very well-deserved and timely recognition”.
She went on: “This is fantastic news – we’re very pleased for Su. There is no one else like her – she’s a tenacious, focused leader and a-n, and its artist members, have undoubtedly benefited from her intellect and generosity over the years. It’s great to see her recognised in this way.
“Su’s dedication to, and leadership around supporting the practice and livelihoods of visual artists is evident through the body of research and activity she oversaw at a-n – we wouldn’t have the Paying Artists campaign without her, nor would we be in as strong a position as we are to take it forward. “
The artist and a-n Board member Emily Speed echoed Scott’s sentiments. She said: “Susan has worked tirelessly for decades to create better working conditions for artists and to champion the value of the arts.
“Although a great deal of people, especially artists, will be familiar with her work, I am incredibly pleased to see her achievements recognised on a wider scale. It is truly deserved.”
Jones stepped down as a-n director in September 2014 and continues to work in the visual arts as a writer, speaker and campaigner.
