The Arts Council of Wales has announced that its interim Chief Executive is to be Michael Elliott - until 2020 Chief Executive of the ABRSM and previously Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Royal Scottish National Orchestras and Associate Cultural Director of Liverpool Culture Company. He has also led consortia of Chief Officers in the arts funding system, in regional tourist boards, and in the cultural sectors in the English West Midlands and Liverpool.

Welcoming Michael, Phil George, Chair Arts Council of Wales said:

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Mick to the role of Interim CEO at the Arts Council of Wales. He has an extraordinary depth and range of experience in the arts, having held Chief Executive positions in an arts funding body and in arts organisations, as well as Director, Culture in the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Anyone who has successfully done ABRSM music exams, in recent times, will be familiar with his name on the certificates! He led this large organisation with innovative distinction, delivering music exams and educational products to over 90 countries.

“Mick has important experience of devolved government from his time in Scotland. He has been an arts leader in major cities and urban areas but cares about reaching all communities through the arts. He has a deep commitment to widening engagement with diverse audiences and participants.

“Mick will play an invaluable role across the coming months as we move to appoint a permanent CEO. Along with his wide experience, he brings a strong admiration for the cultural and social agenda we are committed to in Wales. He will make a difference”.

 

In response, Michael Elliott said:

“Creativity, the arts, and culture are key to the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and nations, and play a significant part in helping us all to navigate life’s challenges.

“The commitment of Wales, as a nation, to the well-being of future generations with sustainable development embracing culture as its heart has inspired artists, arts organisations, and communities across the world.

“It is as important as ever that the Arts Council of Wales and its many local and national partners continue to respect, enable, and empower communities and artists to create and inspire to help build resilience, hope, learning, and communication.

“My focus as Interim Chief Executive will be on assisting and advising the Arts Council and its excellent team in the delivery of planned commitments, in adapting to new and immediate challenges, and in preparing for the arrival of a permanent Chief Executive and subsequent reviews. To be successful in doing so, I look forward to working closely with artists, arts organisations, communities, and partners across Wales.”

Michael’s appointment as interim Chief Executive includes the role of Accounting Officer for the Arts Council of Wales, and this aspect of his new role was approved by the Welsh Government last week.

Michael is appointed as interim Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales in the first instance for six months, with the possibility of an extension, while the search for a permanent Chief Executive begins.

END                                                              Tuesday 8th March 2022

Notes to editors:

  • Michael’s interests in the arts and education are demonstrated not only by his past professional roles, but also by some of his non-executive current roles such as Chair of Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Governor of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Trustee of Birmingham Royal Ballet and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton.
  • Michael will be at his desk as Arts Council of Wales interim Chief Executive from 14th March 2022.

Please direct any enquiries to the Arts Council of Wales press office – comms@arts.wales or 029 2044 1344 / 1307