In response to recent concerns over arts funding, the Guernsey Community Foundation and the Arts Commission have joined forces to develop a new arts strategy with the aim of ensuring that culture and the arts remain accessible to all, and at the forefront of Guernsey life.
The newly-formed Arts Strategy Working Group will comprise:
- David Ummels, a locally-based art collector and entrepreneur, and founder of Art for Guernsey
- Dave Warr, Vice Chair of the Guernsey Community Foundation
- Trevor Wakefield, Chair of the Arts Commission
- Kerstin Neason, Chief Executive Officer, Guernsey Youth Commission
- Natasha Keys, Director of Sport and Culture, the Committee for Education, Sports and Culture
The group will engage with a wide range of influential and experienced stakeholders and innovators ahead of developing a strategic action plan that will address the need for a long term, sustainable funding plan for arts. The plan will also look at the way in which art and culture is promoted and developed on the Island.
The strategy is expected to be published in April 2018.
“The Foundation remains committed to supporting the development of social policy,” said Wayne Bulpitt CBE, Chair of the Guernsey Community Foundation. “But we recognise the significant extent to which the arts have a positive impact on quality of life. We are hopeful that our collaboration with the Arts Commission will be the first of a number of initiatives designed to enrich the cultural life of our Island.”
Trevor Wakefield, Chair of the Arts Commission, said, “We were delighted when the Community Foundation approached us to propose the idea of preparing an action plan for the arts, and we are particularly delighted to be working with David Ummels. In his short time in the Island, David has demonstrated both passion and flair in supporting the development of a vibrant local arts scene.”
