Mark Smith has been announced as the new executive director of Axisweb. He will succeed Sheila McGregor who, after six years as the organisation’s head, stepped down at the beginning of April.
Smith has already held a number of positions at Axisweb having worked there since 1996. Most recently he was head of finance and business development, a role he combined with that of consultant and digital producer.
The announcement follows last July’s news that Axisweb was to lose its Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status for the April 2015-18 period.
Speaking at the time, McGregor said the NPO news was “a huge disappointment” and that the organisation would be “rigorously pursuing all options to adapt our business model to a reduction in our revenue funding.”
Announcing Smith’s appointment, chair Sarah Fisher said: “As Axisweb opens this new chapter, we are delighted to have appointed such a resolute and gifted leader to build upon the organisation’s long history of profiling quality artists’ work.
“Mark’s clarity of vision, drive and interest in innovation is matched by his passion for supporting artists. We look forward to seeing his many ideas for enhancing Axisweb’s offer and believe they will have a positive impact on the sector nationally.”
Smith said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take this role, and excited by the possibilities that lie in our future.
“Axisweb, with a rich experience in connecting artists with commissioners and audiences, is well-positioned to tap into new opportunities during this time of technological change.
“Our ambition is to create a new digital space, reflecting the collaborative, variable and participatory characteristics of artists’ work, rethinking the notion of validation and curation and placing real engagement at its core.”
