Worcestershire based arts charity, Severn Arts has made three new appointments to its Board of Trustees bringing new skills and experience to the organisation. 

John de la Cour, Severn Arts Chair of Trustees said: “We’re an ambitious charity and we’re growing fast. Over the last two years we have expanded the work that we do and are determined to become a fully inclusive organisation, removing barriers to access and providing cultural experiences for all. To do this we recognised we needed to expand our Board and widen our range of voices, ages and experiences. We are delighted with our new appointments and enormously grateful to all three for taking on this voluntary role.”  

Emma Whittle is an event curator and producer currently working as Programme Manager for Cheltenham Literature and Science Festivals, responsible for projects ranging from talks, shows and workshops to installations and interactive activities. Charlie Shiels is CEO of ArrowXL, a large UK Logistics business with a Worcester operating base. He has a commercial background, 20 years board level experience and has supported young people throughout his career. Owen Harper recently graduated with a Touring Theatre degree from the University of Worcester and is a founding member of Worcestershire based theatre company ‘Ten Minutes Late’. 

All three have expressed their genuine enthusiasm at joining the Severn Arts board.  

Emma said: “I’m looking forward to supporting the Severn Arts team in their commitment to creating exciting and inspiring cultural experiences that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the county’s people and places.” 

Charlie said: “I look forward to supporting the charity’s ambitious and exciting plans. It’s a real privilege and an opportunity for me to give something back to the community in which I live.” 

Owen said: “I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to represent the community of artists in Worcestershire as a Severn Arts trustee. I see opportunity for change and trust me; change is in the air.” 

As well as being the lead for Worcestershire’s Music Education Hub Severn Arts is responsible for delivering outdoor Festivals programme in showcasing new international and national work Worcester, funded by the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), and arts development on behalf of Worcestershire County Council.  

Over recent months the organisation has demonstrated adaptability, creative thinking and the ability to succeed in a time of huge difficulty and uncertainty for the cultural sector. Music lessons for adults and children are available online alongside training and support for artists and teachers and resources and opportunities to encourage and inspire people to be creative.

Find out more information about Severn Arts Board of Trustees