Laura Worsfold CEO Expand Laura joined Severn Arts as CEO in January 2019. Laura is responsible for leading the organisation and strategic direction for this new charity and is instrumental in managing organisational change, and complex partnership projects, including the development and implementation of several pioneering public and private sector arts partnerships. Laura is an advocate for creative education and champions the role of music and the arts in shaping and enlightening our hearts and minds.
Debbie Fawcett Director of Learning Expand Debbie joined Severn Arts in September 1993 as an Instrumental Music Teacher and was promoted to the management team in 2006. In 2014 Debbie became Director for Learning with responsibility for Severn Arts music offer to schools, the organisation of large-scale music events, provision of training for teachers and a wide variety of projects with inclusion, in the widest sense, being at the heart of everything. Debbie is passionate about the ability of music and the arts to transform and enrich lives.
Matt Tolley Director of Finance Expand Matt joined Severn Arts in 2012 taking a lead on business, finance and operation systems. Having previously worked in private business he moved into the music education sector in 2006. Matt is also a keen musician who is committed to music and arts and the positive difference it can make to education and changing people’s lives.
Elaine Knight Arts Director Expand Elaine leads on the arts programme for the Worcestershire County Council contract and oversees the strategic direction of the Festivals programme. Elaine moved from Lincolnshire in 2017 where she led a Creative People and Places Project, taking the arts into everyday spaces, making them accessible for everyone. Elaine is particularly passionate about making arts accessible to those in rural areas.
Ian Hattersley Deputy Director of Learning Expand Born in Worcestershire, Ian started working for Severn Arts in 1992 becoming a full time Instrumental Music teacher in 2009. Ian became Deputy Director of Learning for Severn Arts in 2018 with responsibility for performance (ensembles/groups), music offer to schools and the organisation of large-scale music events. As a musician, Ian has performed professionally in a wide variety of musical settings: West End shows, national show tours, commercial recording sessions for TV and radio, pop tours, jazz groups, cruise boats, orchestral and opera concerts to name just a few! Ian strongly advocates the power of music to change lives and truly believes engagement with music creates healthier and happier people.
Min Sowden Marketing and Communications Manager Expand Min joined Severn Arts in June 2019 as strategic and operational lead for the organisation's marketing and communications. Min has several years of marketing and communications experience and arts marketing as a result of working on a range of projects such as the British Ceramics Biennial, International Festival of Glass and Discover Bewdley and for a number of different local authorities, trusts and partnerships.
David Edmunds Festivals Director Expand David has spent over 20 years working with the cultural industries as a producer, artistic director and programmer with a wide range of companies, artists and festivals, including the likes of Liverpool City of Culture, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Phoenix Dance Theatre and 15 years running his own production company Dep Arts in Leeds. He has worked all over the world, including producing and touring events in the USA, Asia, mainland Europe and Australia and is passionate about increasing access to high quality outdoor arts activity and showcasing the very best work in Worcester as part of the new festivals programme.