Press Release 16^th June 2011 

NEW BREWERY ARTS ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW PLANS FOR THE ARTS

Following news of its national portfolio funding  from the Arts Council, New Brewery Arts is announcing exciting changes in how it will develop the arts in the Cotswolds in line with the Arts Council’s strategy of ‘achieving great art for everyone’.

Recently re-launched as the Centre for Contemporary Craft in the Cotswolds, New Brewery Arts has enjoyed a tremendously successful three years since re-opening in 2008 following a major refurbishment.

The five main changes announced are designed to position New Brewery Arts as able to combine excellence with a new collaborative approach so as to develop the arts in the area over the long term.

1. Five high calibre new trustees have been appointed to the Board of New Brewery Arts to further improve the profile and reputation of the artistic provision including Beth Alden, an experienced curator in contemporary art who has worked with Arnolfini and Picture This ; Penny Smith, formerly of Arts Council West Midlands and former Deputy Director at New Brewery Arts; Simon Tapping, a creative director with UAE; Andrea Pulford, Operations Director at Warwick Arts Centre; and Brian Hay a retail specialist and former company director with Marks and Spencer.
2. A new ‘Exhibition Selection Panel‘ has been established to commission visual arts exhibitions of national significance as well as of local interest. This will be headed up by Chief Executive Ali Russell who will now take the lead on artistic direction for New Brewery Arts in line with the new Strategy recently agreed by the Board.
3. The Panel will be inviting submissions from arts and crafts organisations and talented individuals who want to collaborate in the design of exciting new shows, including touring exhibitions.
4.  A broader partnership approach is being offered to organisations who want to work together in ways to achieve excellence despite limits to budgets. New discussions are already underway with internationally renowned galleries and with existing partners such as Stroud International Textiles Festival and Gloucestershire Guild, many others are expected to follow.
5. There will be a positive shift towards working with a range of national and local freelance artistic programme directors in order to diversify the artistic offer from New Brewery Arts. As part of this change Louise Evans, the current Artistic Director, will continue her relationship with the organisation in a freelance capacity.

New Brewery Arts’ Chief Executive Ali Russell said

“I am delighted at these new developments which will enhance our reputation and build on our ever increasing audience for the visual arts and contemporary craft and enable us work in new and exciting partnerships”

Note to Editors:

• New Brewery Arts was selected as one of the Arts Councils National Portfolio organisations recognising excellence in the arts.
• New Brewery Arts has over 200,000 visitors per year.
• New Brewery Arts has an extensive adult and schools education programme working with over 1000 people per year.
• New Brewery Arts displays and promotes the work of over 300 artists and makers annually.

For further information contact Ali Russell, Chief Executive on 01285 657 181 or ali@newbreweryarts.org.uk

ENDS

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