Fiona Allan appointed as Chair of The Space
Fiona Allan has been appointed as the new Chair of The Space, it was announced today.
The recently appointed Chief Executive of the Birmingham Hippodrome and outgoing CEO of Leicester’s Curve Theatre will take up the role from September this year.
The Space is a commissioning and development programme, established by the BBC and Arts Council England to support greater digital access to the arts. From the autumn, The Space will be based at the BBC’s offices at The Mailbox in Birmingham, building on the developing digital capabilities in the region.
Simon Mellor, Executive Director, Arts Council England says:
“Fiona has an outstanding track record in arts leadership as well as extensive experience in engaging audiences and developing high quality content. Her understanding of the sector and the opportunities that The Space offers it make her the ideal Chair for The Space. We are delighted that she has agreed to take on this role as The Space beds into Birmingham and takes the next exciting steps in its development. We are looking forward enormously to working with her.”
Jonty Claypole, Director of Arts, BBC says:
“Fiona brings with her a wealth of experience and we are delighted that she will be chairing our Board. Her commitment to finding new ways for audiences to participate marries with the ambition of The Space to deliver great art digitally.”
Fiona Allan says:
“I am thrilled to be appointed as Chair of The Space. Digital technology offers ever-increasing opportunities for the arts, both in terms of scope of practice, and the opportunity to engage with new audiences. Not only can it increase access in this way to traditional work, it also enables new artistic experiences. To have the opportunity to help shape the future of the cultural sector as it continues to embrace these opportunities is an exciting prospect, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Fiona has more than 20 years of experience in the cultural sector, with a career that spans both artistic and organisational leadership. She began her career at Sydney Opera House were she was head of programming before being appointed chief executive of Sydney Film Festival. Following her role as artistic director of the Wales Millennium Centre, Fiona joined The Curve Theatre in 2011, cementing its reputation at the forefront of regional theatre.
The Space is currently recruiting a CEO/Creative Director. The deadline for applications for the role is 9am, 29th July 2015: http://linkd.in/1gNZrpC