The newly appointed Artists Council cohort, which mirrors the diversity of artform and experience of a-n’s membership and the visual arts sector, has highlighted a need for honest and transparent conversations, to support its ambitions to lead positive change and improve the lives and careers of working artists. Since 1980, a-n has been committed to its core mission of supporting visual artists and continues to play a critical role in championing and amplifying the voices of visual artists across the UK.
Artists Council is an important advisory group to a-n’s Board and Executive, bringing valuable skills and experiences to ensure a-n remains relevant and focused on the needs of its 28,000 members. Over a three-year term, Council members will play a key role in driving the direction of a-n’s advocacy, research and programme activities, with a focus on the leadership development of artists. Artists Council meets four times a year to voice the concerns of artists in their networks and communities, and to take part in a Leadership Development programme developed by a-n in partnership with Clore Leadership.
Collectively, the 2022-25 Artists Council members represent the breadth of the visual arts sector: they are at different stages of their careers, are based in 10 regions across the UK and work in 14 different arts disciplines.
a-n Artists Council 2022 – 2025 members are Mollie Balshaw, Clémentine Bedos, Exodus Crooks, Simon Lee Dicker, Freya Dooley, Sarah Francis, Ross Head, Sae Yeoun Hwang, Jannat Hussain, Yva Jung, Jenny Mc Namara, Tom Pope, Liv Penrose Punnett, Alys Scott-Hawkins, Melanie Wheeler.
Wing-Sie Chan, Head of Programmes at a-n said:
“We are really pleased to champion this new diverse cohort of artists as leaders in our visual arts landscape. Collectively, their valuable expertise, skills, and opinions will contribute to shaping a-n’s work, furthering our mission to support artists across our community and effecting positive change.”
Artist, Exodus Crooks said:
“What is most exciting about this opportunity is the chance to make a real impact within the lives and careers of working artists such as myself. Ultimately, I am excited by the possibility of collaboration, change and creativity.”
Artist, Tom Pope said: “It’s difficult to make change alone, but by being part of Artists Council, collectively we can work towards making change that directly benefits artists.”
For more information on a-n Artists Council visit: a-n.co.uk/about/a-n-artists-council/
