Creative and cultural industry expert Rosy Greenlees OBE has been announced as the new Chair of British Ceramics Biennial.
Rosy has taken over the role from Alison Wedgwood at the Stoke-on-Trent-based charity, which develops, sustains, and expands innovative ceramics practice and improves lives together with artists and creative communities.
Claire Hickey and Kirsty Andrew have also joined the eight-strong board of trustees.
Rosy was most recently Executive Director of the Crafts Council, where she held the post for 16 years from 2006 to 2022. She has extensive experience of working in the creative and cultural industries and was a member of the Government’s Creative Industries Council and President of the World Crafts Council.
She is also a Sounding Board member for the National Centre for Academic and Cultural Exchange (NCACE).
Clare Wood, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of the British Ceramics Biennial said: “It is wonderful to welcome Rosy as Chair of the British Ceramics Biennial and to bring such a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board. Rosy’s chairing alongside the appointment of Claire and Kirsty further strengthens our organisational leadership as we champion innovative ceramics practice.
“I extend my sincere thanks to Alison for her excellent stewardship. I am proud of the remarkable achievements of the British Ceramics Biennial during Alison’s tenure as Chair and I look forward to the same close collaboration with Rosy.”
Claire Hickey is the Arts Officer for Heritage & Culture Warwickshire at Warwickshire County Council. She has worked within the arts sector in the West Midlands for over 15 years as a practising visual artist, educator and project manager.
Kirsty Andrew is a Senior Finance Executive based in London. Her most recent role was CFO for EMI Records, part of Universal Music Group. Kirsty is also a practising artist, currently studying at the Royal College of Art on the Ceramics & Glass MA.
Rosy said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the British Ceramics Biennial at a time of development and growth.
“There is great satisfaction and pride in seeing organisations thrive thanks to good governance. I am looking forward to working with the Trustees and Clare and the team in further building the expertise behind our work making change through clay.”
Rosy, Claire, and Kirsty join the board after a successful 2023 edition of the British Ceramics Biennial which saw over 38,000 visitors attend events and exhibitions across Stoke-on-Trent from 23 September to 5 November 2023.
Last summer the British Ceramics Biennial was awarded £135,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Stoke-on-Trent, as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Levelling Up agenda. This money is funding a Clay & Communities programme from 2023 – 2025 delivered in collaboration with Partners in Creative Learning (PiCL).
